Deliberating Colonial Medicine in India: A Historiographical Overview

Description

Page: 656-659

Priya Salam (Independent Researcher (Ex-Alumna, JNU))

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving field of the ‘social history of medicine,’ particularly in the context of colonial India. It introduces various scholarly perspectives that both familiarize readers with existing research and offer fresh insights into how different scholars have approached topics related to the history of medicine during the colonial period. The discussions encompass a range of debates, including those surrounding the British notion of medical care, such as the ‘history of Western medicine,’ ‘public health,’ ‘diseases,’ ‘role of colonial dispensaries and hospitals,’ ‘philanthropy and charity,’ ‘indigenous responses,’ ‘women’s health,’ ‘gender dynamics in imperialism,’ among others. Through these discussions, the paper highlights nuanced shifts in historiography and recent research trends, contributing to a deeper understanding of the lasting impact of colonial medicine and healthcare practices in India.