Tradition, colonialism and modernity: Women's health in Goa, India

Abstract

This article documents practices related to pregnancy and childbirth among the Gauda tribal community in Goa, a south-western state of India. The Portuguese colonizer intro duced a 'scientific credo' in every sphere of life, including health, for reasons of ideological supremacy, moral justification, and social legitimacy. There was a well-orchestrated effort on the part of the Portuguese to phase out the traditional system of healing in order to replace it with a western system. However, traditional beliefs and health-related practices persist, albeit often in 'modified' forms. Two possible reasons are forwarded for this per sistence: first, traditional beliefs and practices are indicative of their role in identity for mation for this community; and second, traditional health and healing are practised by women.