Overview

Public Health and the Pandemic in Colonial Bengal examines the interplay between colonial governance and public health crises by focusing on the effects of the 1918–19 Spanish Influenza pandemic in Bengal. During the time of the pandemic, Bengal was a region of stark contrasts—rich in culture and intellectual thought yet marred by deep social and economic disparities. The outbreak of Spanish Influenza coincided with a turbulent period in Bengal’s history. The region was not only grappling with the effects of World War I and the challenges of colonial rule but also undergoing significant political and social changes. The pandemic added a complex layer to this already dynamic historical context. Based on archival material, newspapers, and public health records, the book unveils how colonial authorities tried to suppress the crisis and how local communities protested against colonial brutality. With a unique emphasis on the context of colonial Bengal, the author highlights the socio-economic disparities exacerbated by colonial rule. The study contributes to the broader discourse on health crises in colonial settings, offering insights into the historical roots of public health in India. It provides essential insights into the medical, social, and economic reactions to both current and future health emergencies and will be of interest to researchers in the fields of history, including medical history, public health, sociology and medical anthropology, and political science and law.

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9781041107521

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Saumitra Basu is an independent researcher in the history of science and history of medicine. He has successfully completed three projects on the history of science as a (postdoctoral) research associate in the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi. He is the recipient of different national and international fellowships, including Visiting Fellowship at the Oxford Institute of Ageing, Oxford, UK.

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