Contribution of Christian Missionaries in the Maternal Healthcare in Colonial Punjab

Author(s): Deepika Vaid

Abstract:

Along with the colonial authorities, there were missionaries who came to India, though, their purpose was to spread the Gospel. They entered India with the aim of conducting philanthropic activities. The healthcare sector provided the easiest access to the native population, and within this sector, women’s healthcare remained largely ignored. This paper examines the contribution of Christian missionaries in women medical care with special emphasis on the maternal healthcare. The area of study includes colonial Punjab, covering both prominent centres and rural regions. The paper demonstrates the gradual development of mission initiatives in maternal healthcare sector in province of British Punjab. The initial missionaries were men, later, they were joined by the female missionaries who took the lead in the medical work for native women. The work was started on a small scale, grew into well-known institutions sustained chiefly by private funds. Although the initial missionaries lacked formal qualifications but with the rise of formal medical education, they began to receive training in basic skills. They described the zenanas as unhealthy spaces and claimed the role of saviours, with the stated purpose of rescuing Indian women. They also worked towards the training of the native women in medical healthcare sector as midwives and other sub ordinate staff. This study sheds light on the impact of these missionaries on the changing local attitudes towards maternal healthcare in colonial Punjab.

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Pages: 32-36     |    32 View     |    3 Download