Leprosy and Lepers in Bengal: A Brief Study of Social Impact in the Nineteenth Century

Abstract

In the nineteenth century, a proper and sure medical system for leprosy was not discovered. The disease did not cause death to the affected but became a curse for both the patient and his or her entire family. In the society of Bengal, many imaginary narratives were in vogue for the causes of leprosy. The colonial government at times collected data about the spread of the disease in the country but did not assess its overall impact on society. Nor did they facilitate the medical treatment, proper shelter, or social rehabilitation for the leprosy patients. The activities of the Christian missionaries and native philanthropists were insufficient. Thousands of lepers travelled across the province, asking for alms. Society possessed a sense of hatred towards the leprosy-affected person and their families, which brought about a social crisis in Bengal.