Modern medical education in India began in the 19th century when healthcare facilities in the country were very limited. At that time, India was under British rule, and the British needed trained doctors not only for their soldiers but also for treating the general public. Recognizing this need, the foundation of India’s first medical college was laid, marking the beginning of a new era in medical education in the country.

India’s First Medical College: Calcutta Medical College
India’s first medical college is the Calcutta Medical College, established in 1835. It was initially called Medical College, Bengal. Located in Kolkata, West Bengal, it remains one of India’s oldest and most prestigious medical colleges.

Why was it established?
The British realized that the number of European doctors in India was insufficient, and their presence was not feasible everywhere. At the time, treatment in India was based on Ayurveda and Unani systems, but the British government decided to promote allopathic (Western) medicine. With this goal, the Calcutta Medical College was established to provide medical education to Indian students.

How did it begin?
Lord William Bentinck and T.B. Macaulay played key roles in the college’s establishment. In 1833, a proposal was introduced to provide Indian students with the opportunity to study modern medicine. Subsequently, the Calcutta Medical College was officially inaugurated on January 28, 1835.

How many students were in the first batch?
The first batch of the college consisted of 49 students. These students received training not only in classrooms but also in labs and hospitals. This was a significant step at the time, as it provided students with practical knowledge.

The college’s contribution
The Calcutta Medical College gave a new direction to medical education in India. Many doctors who studied here gained recognition in India and abroad. The college strengthened the foundation of medical education in India, leading to the gradual establishment of many other medical colleges.

Calcutta Medical College

Calcutta Medical College, established in 1835, is the oldest medical college in Asia and a landmark in medical education in India. Founded during British colonial rule, it was the first institution in the region to teach Western medicine in English. Today, it remains a prestigious institution, known for its contributions to healthcare and medical research in India.

Medical College, Bengal

The Medical College, Bengal, established in 1835 in Kolkata (then Calcutta), was the first Western-style medical college in Asia. It was founded during British rule to train Indian students in modern medicine, marking a significant shift from traditional practices. Today, it remains a prestigious institution known for its contributions to medical education and healthcare in India.

Kolkata

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of India’s West Bengal state and a major cultural, historical, and commercial hub. Founded in 1690 by the British East India Company, it served as the capital of British India until 1911 and played a pivotal role in India’s colonial history and independence movement. Today, Kolkata is renowned for its colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and festivals like Durga Puja, reflecting its rich Bengali heritage.

West Bengal

West Bengal, located in eastern India, is a vibrant state known for its rich cultural heritage, literature, and arts. It was once the center of British India, with Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) serving as the capital until 1911, and played a key role in India’s independence movement. The state is famous for its festivals like Durga Puja, contributions to Bengali literature and cinema, and landmarks such as the Howrah Bridge and the Sundarbans mangrove forests.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient holistic healing system originating in India over 3,000 years ago, rooted in the Vedic traditions. It emphasizes balance among body, mind, and spirit through natural remedies, diet, yoga, and meditation. Recognized as one of the world’s oldest medical systems, Ayurveda remains widely practiced today, promoting wellness and preventive care.

Unani

“Unani” refers to **Unani medicine**, a traditional system of healing that originated in ancient Greece and was later developed by Arab and Persian scholars, such as Avicenna (Ibn Sina). It is based on the teachings of Hippocrates and Galen, emphasizing balance among the body’s four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile). Today, Unani is practiced primarily in South Asia and the Middle East, integrating herbal remedies, diet, and natural therapies.

(If you meant a specific place or cultural site named “Unani,” please provide more details!)

Lord William Bentinck

Lord William Bentinck (1774–1839) was a British statesman and colonial administrator who served as the Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835. He is best known for implementing significant reforms, including the abolition of sati (the practice of widow burning) in 1829 and promoting Western-style education in India. His tenure marked a shift toward modernization and social reform under British rule.

T.B. Macaulay

T.B. Macaulay refers to Thomas Babington Macaulay (1800–1859), a British historian, politician, and colonial administrator, not a place or cultural site. He is best known for his *Minute on Indian Education* (1835), which advocated for English-medium education in colonial India, shaping the subcontinent’s modern education system. His legacy remains controversial, as his policies promoted Western learning while marginalizing indigenous languages and traditions.