Poverty and health in colonial India (1808-1914)

Abstract

The methodology of the proposed study is based on extensive use of Archival material, governmental records and in depth desk research work. The study is based on available empirical data in form of the primary and secondary sources. Systematic quantitative assessment is made which is based on upon statistical information available in the reports. The terms poverty and health are understood on the basis of conceptual frame work. As far as the scope of study is concerned it deals generally with the whole of India that was under British control in 19th century. Specifically those areas are studied which are densely populated and where industrial and occupational changes took place during the British period. However the conclusions are drawn from the statistical data available in the Government reports like Sanitary Commissioner s Reports and survey Reports. The purpose of the study is to see the practical results of imperialism on the health and living conditions of the common people. Discussions focus on the economic status of the indigenous population and their health problems. Steps taken in designing the Research: As it is extremely important for a researcher who wants to undertake any research to understand the basic research procedures, one of them is the formulation of the problem. Before designing a research the problem must be clearly defined. newlineSince it has been observed that few scholars have been conducting research on imperialism (Colonial rule) and health consequences in South Asia especially India peninsular region, the scholar has taken it into view to conduct a research concerning with the health consequences and spread of poverty in the whole Indian region. Poverty is the basic reason of poor health. How come poverty was responsible for the poor health conditions of the Indian society is the main idea of the present work. The present work argues that the economic structure of 19th century India was changed as industrialization and commercialization took place.