Cherpulassery: P Rajan (64) of Puthuvayil, Karalmanna, the last practitioner of the village’s century-old tradition of anti-venom therapy, passed away on Monday. He was visually impaired.

The death of Rajan, known locally as Rajan Vaidyar, brings to a close a legacy that began more than a hundred years ago with Pankoda Nair of Kanichukunnathu, who first practised indigenous treatment for snakebites. His disciple Raman Nair of Puthanpurayil, Variyathupallyal, carried the tradition forward, training several students, including Rajan.

Rajan lost his eyesight at the age of two following complications from a smallpox vaccination. He became a disciple of Raman Nair at the age of 15 and went on to master both the theory and practice of anti-venom therapy. After his guru’s death, Rajan, then 35, became the sought-after authority in the region on anti-venom treatment.

Despite his blindness, Rajan personally prepared and dispensed medicines. Lore has it that he could recognise people by the sound of them shuffling in. Over many years, he treated victims of snakebites and other venomous attacks, including that of spiders, scorpions, and rodents, says his former aide and Malayala Manorama newspaper agent Muhammadali. He said Rajan’s dedication and skill had saved many lives over the years.

Rajan was the son of late Parameswaran and Parvathy of Puthuvayil