Study of Allopathic Medical System in Kashmir Valley (1864-1900)

Abstract

During the colonial era,missionary doctors tend to reachremote areas of the world majorly for treating sick people and to expertise in the field.Similarly, the back side of the work was to pass the sacred massage of Jesus into the heathen lands and the best mode was medicine. The Kashmir valley came to benefit from such missionaries in 2^nd half of 18^th century. During the time, the health system of people was very poor as they totally were dependent on the ancient medical systemslike Ayurveda and unani.With the advent of 19^th century, Kashmir witnessed various diseases, famines and floods. The first aide by state govt. was totally miserable as they were interested only in collecting the revenue. The health system was degrading day-by-day in all spheres of life and people were in all the way hoping some miracle that can only improve their health system.And by the advent of Christian missionariesin 2^nd half of 19^th century, with medicine as the foremost tool to propagate Christianity, people take a sigh of relief as they opened various health dispensaries at their own cost. Firstly, it was Rev Clark after his two seasonally visitsto Kashmirwith his wife Elizabeth opened first dispensary in Downtown Srinagar. The trend was continued by most famous medical missionary doctors of the times who emanated to the valley and spend either whole or the best of their life in Kashmir, treating people.This work of medical missionaries had far-reaching effects on all the domains on Kashmir valley especially on medical work. Present study will focus on the progress made by Kashmirin the field of medicine with the help of missionaries. It will also discuss at length and breadth the contribution of these medical missionaries healing bodies of Kashmiris during the area of study.