This book investigates how Ayurveda transitioned from an ancient tradition to a modern medical system within the context of colonial India. It examines the historical shift from colonial skepticism towards indigenous medical systems to their increasing acceptance after World War I, particularly after the 1919 implementation of dyarchic governance. The work argues that the restructuring of medical services into regional governance fostered health planning that integrated curative and preventative medicine, thereby reconfiguring power dynamics and agency in late colonial India.

The book positions itself as a critical examination of the historical forces that shaped modern medicine in colonial India, focusing on the integration and adaptation of Ayurvedic practices. It appears to offer a nuanced perspective on the interplay between indigenous knowledge systems and colonial administrative structures. The work is likely to appeal to scholars of South Asian history, medical history, and postcolonial studies seeking to understand the evolution of healthcare systems.