The Influence of British Colonization on Spices, Natural Health, and South Asian Body Types

Introduction 

The British colonization of India, spanning from 1757 to 1947, significantly shaped the cultural and health landscape of the subcontinent. Initially, the Mughal Empire (an early empire in South Asia) allowed British trading privileges. However, as the East India Company sought to expand their power, relationships between the Mughal Empire and British severely deteriorated. One of the primary drivers of British interest in India was the wealth of spices and natural remedies, both coveted for their culinary uses and medicinal properties. The British rule has had significant impacts on practices and trends across the nation, from shaping modern perceptions of dietary traditions to marginalizing South Asian wellness approaches.  Today, modern South Asian wellness movements are reclaiming this heritage and revitalizing the cultural and health benefits of native spices that were overlooked by colonial exploitation.

The Role of Spices in India Pre-Colonization versus Post-Colonization 

Prior to British colonization, India’s relationship with spices was integral to its cultural and health practices. Spices like turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and black pepper were not only culinary staples but also vital to Ayurveda (the ancient Indian system of medicine). These spices were known for their healing properties, contributing to daily health through use in cooking, religious rituals, and natural remedies. As India became the global hub of the spice trade, the world grew interested in accessing the wealth of resources in the subcontinent. Spices were exported across the world, carried along trade routes linking India to Europe through the Middle East. India was widely respected for its rich traditions in natural health and wellness with spices at the intersection of food, medicine, and spirituality. 

The arrival of the British East India Company, however, marked a turning point in India’s spice history. Motivated by economic interests, the British forcefully took control of spice plantations and monopolized trade, reducing these luxury goods to mere commodities for European consumption. British regulation of spice production greatly upset farming practices and diminished their cultural and health significance in favor of exploiting them for European markets. Despite Indian spices having been coveted for centuries, British control turned this  industry into a vehicle for colonial profit.

Natural Health and Remedies: Ayurvedic and Traditional Indian Practices 

Ayurveda, the ancient system of Indian medicine, is rooted in the belief that the balance between the body’s three doshas (biological energies) — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha — is essential for maintaining health. The practice centers around individualized and optimized blueprints for daily health and wellness, defined by one’s unique composition of the three doshas. Also emphasized are natural remedies, herbal treatments, and the integration of diet and lifestyle practices to promote holistic well-being. This comprehensive approach to healing, which blends physical, mental, and spiritual health has flourished for centuries in India, becoming an integral part of daily life and cultural traditions.

 Ayurveda emerged around 600 BC rooted in classic Sanskrit texts and Unani (Greco-Arab medicine) had been established by the 12th century with the rise of the Mughal power. By the 18th century, Ayurveda and Unani medicine were the forefront of medicine in India. Vaidyas and hakims were individuals who practiced these holistic medicines, freely sharing and borrowing knowledge. However, during British colonization, these traditional practices were systematically marginalized. Initial interactions between Western medicine, Ayurveda, and Unani showed similar foundations and understandings of anatomy. However ,with the rationalism movement in Europe, British doctors began viewing their practice as superior. The British favored Western medicine and believed Ayurvedic practices were outdated, often citing the lack of controlled trials or “pseudo scientific” basis. As colonial rule intensified, and Ayurvedic practices were criticized as unscientific and dangerous, the British began imposing restrictions on the teaching and practice of traditional Indian medicine. 

Since then, the Western wellness industry has increasingly relied and profited upon Ayurvedic principles, popularized stolen remedies and their benefits. Some examples are: 

- “Turmeric lattes” as a source of antioxidants, cardiovascular health, and detoxification. 

- “Chai tea” for anti-inflammatory, digestion, immune system health, and reduction of stress and anxiety. 

- “Ashwagandha supplements” taken to aid cognitive function, sleep quality, cholesterol levels, and joint pain.

Such spices and culinary staples, including practices such as yoga and meditation — that have been rebranded by Western media and markets as innovative solutions to holistic health and wellbeing — were exploited during colonial history. 

British Influence on South Asian Body Types and Health Perception 

In Ayurvedic tradition, South Asian body types were classified into the three doshas each with distinct physiological and health needs. This classification system acknowledged the natural diversity of body shapes, sizes, and metabolic processes, emphasizing balance through individualized diets, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. For centuries, Indian wellness practices were built around the understanding that individuals had unique physical constitutions, and maintaining health meant nurturing the body’s natural state. Ayurvedic principles guided everything from food preparation to daily routines, helping South Asians manage their wellbeing through holistic care that considered the harmony between the mind, body, and environment. 

However, British colonization drastically changed the perception of Indian bodies. British control imposed Western beauty ideals and physical standards, marginalizing the natural diversity that Ayurveda celebrated. Colonial narratives framed Indian bodies as weak or inferior, leading to widespread stigma around traditional health practices and body types. The British

preferences clashed with Indian norms that had long valued different body compositions based on doshas (biological energies). This imposition not only affected self-perception but also disrupted how health was conceptualized, with colonial standards redefining fitness and body ideals for generations to come. 

Colonial era changes to diet and lifestyle further exacerbated the change in overall health of the subcontinent. The British introduced processed foods, sugar, and tea into the Indian diet, replacing traditional, nutrient-dense foods. Furthermore, as famine spread across India under British rule, many Indians were forced to forego their balanced nutrition and diets for high-fiber carbohydrates and a lack of protein. The widespread production and exportation of luxury goods and importation of refined grains and sugary foods changed traditional agricultural practices and daily diet. This shift, combined with a decline in physical activity due to British policies, contributed to the rise of diet-related diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which were previously uncommon. These health changes left lasting consequences on the South Asian population, affecting generations long after the colonial era ended. 

South Asian Reclamation of Health and Wellness 

In the post-colonial era, there has been a strong movement across South Asia to reclaim traditional health practices that were once marginalized under British rule. This recovery is rooted in reviving ancestral knowledge and integrating them into modern wellness approaches. Plant-based diets, usage of herbal remedies, and the emphasis on holistic well-being are central to such efforts. Communities are reclaiming commonly used techniques and remedies involving spices like turmeric, cumin, and ashwagandha, not just as culinary staples, but as tools for

preventative healthcare. As South Asians embrace their cultural heritage, there is also a shift in the perception of body types within wellness spaces. Rather than conforming to Western ideals imposed during colonial rule, there is a renewed celebration of the natural diversity that Ayurveda always recognized. This movement includes addressing the legacy of colonial-era health issues — such as diabetes and obesity — that arose due to changes in diet and lifestyle during British rule. By reclaiming traditional diets rich in whole foods and natural remedies, South Asian communities are finding new ways to tackle these health challenges while embracing their cultural identity. The focus is no longer on adhering to colonial exploitations and narratives, but rather on restoring balance, promoting wellness through holistic and culturally-rooted practices, and honoring the wealth of ancestral knowledge. The lasting impacts of British colonization on India’s natural health, spice, traditions, and body image are undeniable, but the reclaiming of traditional wellness practices in modern times makes way for a nation’s healing.

Sources 

Bhansali, Shanin. “Spices, Textiles, Slaves, Tea and Opium: Why the British Came and Stayed Back in India.” Statecraft, 2 Aug. 2019, 

www.statecraft.co.in/article/spices-textiles-slaves-tea-and-opium-why-the-british-came-a nd-stayed-back-in-india. 

Bhattacharya, Manoshi. “A Historical Exploration of Indian Diets and a Possible Link to Insulin Resistance Syndrome.” Appetite, vol. 95, Dec. 2015, pp. 421–54, 

doi:10.1016/j.appet.2015.07.002. 

“British Colonialism in India - the British Empire - KS3 History - Homework Help for Year 7, 8 and 9. - BBC Bitesize.” BBC Bitesize, 16 Jan. 2024, 

www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zx8sf82#zgyq2v4. 

Cpt, Katey Davidson MScFN, Rd,. “What Are the Ayurveda Doshas? Vata, Kapha, and Pitta Explained.” Healthline, 19 Sept. 2023, 

www.healthline.com/nutrition/vata-dosha-pitta-dosha-kapha-dosha#ayurveda-doshas. Gulbahaar Kaur, and Gulbahaar Kaur. “How South Asian Voices Are Reclaiming Their Beauty Traditions.” Homegrown, 29 July 2022, 

homegrown.co.in/homegrown-explore/how-south-asian-voices-are-reclaiming-their-beaut y-traditions. 

Gupta, Alisha. “Hair Oil Gets a Slick Reboot.” The New York Times, 8 July 2024, www.nytimes.com/2024/07/08/style/hair-oiling-south-asian-black-beauty.html. Accessed 21 Sept. 2024.

Kumar, Gautam. “A Brief History of Indian Spices.” ExclusiveLane, 4 Apr. 2023, exclusivelane.com/blogs/handmade/a-brief-history-of-indian-spices?srsltid=AfmBOoow Y-rGYTq07dXzV1qU023wauSmUHw1slKuPc1EcTTvPYQGdpM6. 

Saini, Anu. “Physicians of Colonial India (1757-1900).” Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, vol. 5, no. 3, Jan. 2016, p. 528, doi:10.4103/2249-4863.197257.

About the Spice and Wellness Society at UNC:

Welcome to the Spice and Wellness Society at UNC Chapel Hill! We are a student-led organization dedicated to exploring and promoting the rich traditions of South Asian culture for health and wellness. Our mission is to dive into common health issues prevalent in the South Asian community, like heart health and diabetes, and aid in combating them through cultural practices and daily habits. Through the potential of traditional spices and ingredients, we aim to teach our members how to cook healthy dishes while exploring the broader benefits of food for health and well-being. Additionally, we work to debunk common food myths, delve into South Asian cultural practices, and promote mental health.

By Naina Mishra from SAWS