This study examines the introduction and implementation of Western medicine in two distinct South Asian British colonies, Nepal and Sri Lanka, during the 19th and 20th centuries. While both regions were impacted by British colonial rule, the socio-political and cultural contexts of Nepal and Sri Lanka differed significantly, offering a unique comparative lens. This research investigates how colonial authorities introduced Western medical practices, their adoption by local populations, and the resulting public health outcomes. Thus, the core problem of this research is to analyze how Western medicine was implemented, received, and shaped by the cultural, political, and health landscapes of these two British colonies. This study adopts a quasi-experimental and historical comparative approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Data will be collected through primary sources such as Colonial medical records, health reports, official documents, and missionary records. Secondary Sources include scholarly articles, historical studies, and public health records from colonial and post-colonial periods. Analysis based on oral histories, local narratives, and resistance movements against Western medicine, providing insight into social perceptions, community engagement, and the roles of indigenous healing practices. Previous studies have often treated the introduction of Western medicine as a homogeneous process without considering regional differences, colonial structures, and indigenous medical systems. This research fills this gap by comparing the experiences of Nepal and Sri Lanka, both under British rule but with distinct political, cultural, and healthcare systems. Preliminary research indicates that Western medicine was implemented differently across the two regions. The British established formal medical infrastructure in Sri Lanka, including hospitals and clinics, which were more integrated into colonial governance. In contrast, Nepal, which was under British suzerainty, had limited formal healthcare systems, and the introduction of Western medicine was more sporadic. Despite these differences, both regions witnessed significant public health improvements, particularly in controlling epidemics like malaria and smallpox, although the response from local populations varied considerably. Local resistance, especially in rural areas, was common, as Western medicine often clashed with deeply ingrained indigenous healing practices. This study will provide new insights into the intersection of colonialism, healthcare, and cultural change in South Asia. By comparing the implementation of Western medicine in Nepal and Sri Lanka, the research will highlight the complexities of medical modernization under colonial rule. The study will contribute to our understanding of how healthcare systems evolved in the postcolonial world, emphasizing the role of Western medicine in shaping public health outcomes while considering the preservation of indigenous medical practices. This research also has contemporary relevance, informing current debates on integrating traditional and modern medical systems in South Asia and beyond.

Keywords: British Empire, Nepal Colonie, Sri Lanka, Western Medicine, 19th and 20th Centuries