This paper attempts to scan the impact of myth over the women’s mind and body in Bengal during the colonial regime as well as its genesis in the present day.

The word ‘myth’ signifies a supernatural or imaginary process, popular idea or natural or social phenomenon which is widely held out as a false notion. Myth was the most popular means of treatment among the majority of the poor people during the British regime; illiteracy, poverty and religious bodies encouraged myth among the mass. Since ancient times, the unequal distribution of power has been explained by the dominant male ideology in terms of ‘tradition’, a view that represents women as inherently wicked, possessed of an uncontrollable and threatening sexuality, and innately impure. This traditional view of women encapsulated in myths and stories or can be directly traced to Brahmanical treaties of the proper behavior for men and women according to the ‘sacred’ norms (dharma).

As the followers of dharma, women were bounded by certain customs and rituals. They were restrained within the boundary of all social customs and beliefs. In the name of ‘dharma’, the traditional beliefs and customs always deprived the women of proper healthcare. The imperial government was concerned about their colonial subject in their political and economic interest, but women surely were not a part of that. The indigenous society neglected the improvement of women’s health, encouraging further negligence by the colonial government. Unfortunately, this same tradition is still followed in modern times.

The objective of this article is to scan the impact of myth over the women’s mind and body in Bengal during the colonial regime. It will also explore the imperial health policy and its genesis in the modern period as far as women’s health is concerned.

History and Culture Journal, Anti-Ahmadiya Sectarian Riots, Ahmadiya Movement, Muslim League Party, Muslim Community, Christian Missionaries, Government Documents, Religious Communities, Ahmadiya Leadership, Sectarian Organization, Government Services, Nazimuddin Government, Anti-government Campaign.