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Dr. Chiman Lal was a prominent figure in 19th-century Delhi, a talented doctor who practiced the relatively new science of Allopathy. But his life and tragic death serve as a compelling story of a man caught between medical progress and deep-seated social suspicion. He was an unsung hero whose story sheds light on the complex tensions that defined India on the eve of the 1857 revolt.
A Doctor in the Emperor’s Court
Dr. Chiman Lal’s skills were so impressive that he was appointed as a sub-assistant surgeon by the British Resident of Delhi, Thomas Metcalfe. His reputation grew even further when he was called to treat none other than the Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar. In March 1852, the aging emperor was suffering from severe foot pain, and Dr. Chiman Lal was asked to help.
For three months, Dr. Chiman Lal diligently treated the emperor using balms and ointments, and the emperor’s condition improved significantly. Pleased with the results, Bahadur Shah Zafar began paying the doctor 150 rupees every month.
Beyond the payment, Dr. Chiman Lal asked for something more: a personal letter of recommendation from the emperor himself. He did this with a specific purpose in mind. At the time, Allopathy was a new and feared medical practice in India, with many people believing it was a tool for Christian conversion. Dr. Lal hoped that a letter from the highly respected emperor would help change public perception and encourage more people to seek modern medical treatment.
The Seeds of Suspicion
Despite his efforts, the public’s suspicions were not easily eased. Many viewed Western education and medicine as a British ploy to undermine their culture and religion.
These fears were solidified in 1852 when Dr. Chiman Lal converted to Christianity, along with his colleague, Master Ramchandra. For many in Delhi, this conversion served as undeniable proof that their fears were justified and that Western knowledge was indeed a path to religious conversion.
A Martyr of the Revolt
When the 1857 revolt broke out, Dr. Chiman Lal’s life was put in grave danger. Seen as a traitor for his conversion, he was killed by the revolutionaries when they arrived in Delhi.
After the British brutally suppressed the revolt, Dr. Chiman Lal’s body was buried in St. James’ Church in Delhi. His tomb was inscribed with a message in both English and Urdu, identifying him as a martyr for his faith. His story remains a poignant example of a man who was ahead of his time, ultimately becoming a victim of the very same historical tensions he had hoped to heal.
