Dr. Kadambini Ganguly was among the first Indian women to enter medicine—a field nearly closed to women then. Her determination paved the way for generations of female doctors. More than a pioneer physician, she was a social reformer, activist, and visionary who changed history for women in India.

Kadambini Basu (later Ganguly) was born on July 18, 1861, in Bhagalpur—then part of the Bengal Presidency, now in present-day Bihar. Her father, Braja Kishore Basu, was a reformist and an active member of the Brahmo Samaj, whose progressive ideals would profoundly shape her life.

Born into a Bengali Kulin Kayastha family, Kadambini’s father also served as the headmaster of Bhagalpur School and was widely respected for challenging social conventions. When Kadambini was just two years old, her father founded India’s first women’s organization—the Bhagalpur Mahila Samiti. At a time when women were still subjected to oppressive practices like sati and child marriage, his efforts marked a historic breakthrough.

Her path to breaking barriers in medicine began with an early English education at the Brahmo Eden Female School in Dacca, followed by her enrollment at Hindu Mahila Vidyalaya in Ballygunge, Calcutta. The school was renamed Banga Mahila Vidyalaya in 1876 and merged with Bethune School in 1878.

That same year, Kadambini became the first woman to pass the University of Calcutta’s entrance exam. She cleared her First Arts (FA) in 1880, and her academic performance is said to have influenced Bethune College’s decision to offer that course—eventually leading to graduation-level studies by 1883. By completing her degree that year, Kadambini, along with Chandramukhi Basu, became the first female graduates of Bethune College and British India.

From clearing entrance exams to earning a college degree in an era that discouraged women’s education, Kadambini’s academic milestones laid the foundation for Indian women in higher education. But her journey did not stop there—she soon set her sights on the world of medicine.

Kadambini’s medical career blazed a trail with the support of her husband, Dwarkanath Ganguly, whom she married in 1883. As a Brahmo reformer and strong advocate for women’s education, his steadfast support helped her chase a dream nearly impossible for women then.

Later that year, she became the first woman to be admitted to Calcutta Medical College—a space completely dominated by men. She encountered persistent opposition: ridiculed, sidelined, and often ignored by professors who did not know how to address a female student. But Kadambini stayed resolute.

Between 1883 and 1888, she studied the Western medical curriculum, which covered theory and practical training in medicine, surgery, and midwifery. Her classes and clinical work took place across her college's Hospital, Calcutta Eden Hospital, and the dispensary. Alongside her rigorous studies, she balanced her roles as a wife and mother to both her children and stepchildren.

When it came to final exams, she stood out in almost all subjects but missed out on a Bachelor of Medicine degree by just one mark in Anatomy and Materia Medica—both examined by Dr. R.C. Chandra, a professor known to oppose women in medicine. Unable to challenge this, she was awarded the less prestigious Graduate of Bengal Medical College diploma. Despite this obstacle, Kadambini became the first Indian woman to graduate in Western medicine in India.

Around the same time, Dr. Anandi Bai Joshi also completed her medical studies in the United States, but her declining health due to tuberculosis prevented her from practicing. Kadambini Ganguly, in contrast, went on to become the first Indian woman to actually practice Western medicine.

Shortly after graduation, Kadambini was appointed Assistant Physician at Lady Dufferin Hospital in Calcutta—a notable accomplishment. However, her job there was far from equal. Though she earned a monthly salary of ₹300, she was barred from any ward responsibilities. Indian doctors were expected to work under European women, and Kadambini’s role was limited to assisting them, despite her qualifications.

Disheartened by this injustice, she boldly confronted the system by writing a letter to a local newspaper. Throughout her early medical career, she faced neglect, pity, threats, and even harassment while working through constant bias in a field that rarely welcomed women.

Her journey went beyond India. In 1893, she ventured alone to the United Kingdom to broaden her medical education. That year became a major turning point in her life. She achieved three prestigious qualifications at the same time—the Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh, the Licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons in Glasgow, and the Graduate of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons in Dublin.

This triple qualification made her the second Indian woman to be included in the British Medical Register after Dr. Annie Jagannadham.

After earning her qualifications in Britain, she returned to India and was appointed to a senior physician role at Lady Dufferin Hospital. She later established a successful private practice specializing in women’s health, caring for people across social statuses—including members of the Nepalese royal family.

Interestingly, Lady Dufferin herself had written a letter to Dr. Kadambini around this time, assuring her that the government would start considering qualified Indian women doctors for official medical roles.

Kadambini’s activism began early in her life alongside her medical career. In 1889, she became one of the first six women delegates to attend the Indian National Congress, which had been a predominantly male gathering until. In 1890, she made history as the first woman to speak on its platform.

She was a committed member of the Brahmo Samaj, actively working to end social evils like child marriage, the marginalization of widows, and the dowry system. To promote girls’ education and encourage women’s spiritual and intellectual growth, she joined the Bengal Ladies Association.

When the British government proposed raising the age of consent for girls from 10 to 12 years, Kadambini’s advice was sought. Her voice contributed significantly to the shaping of the Age of Consent Act of 1891, one of India’s earliest laws against child marriage.

Beyond this, she championed the rights of women laborers in the coal mines of Bihar and Orissa, advocating for better conditions and recognition.

Dr. Kadambini Ganguly left this world on October 3, 1923, after attending to her patients diligently until her final days. Her life is marked by tireless perseverance and a legacy to be honored. She showed incredible resilience, unwavering persistence, and firm devotion to women’s rights—qualities that continue to empower generations.

Her story stands as a testament that obstacles can be overcome and traditions questioned through education and commitment to equality. Kadambini left a lasting impact on history, and her contributions to medicine and society are deeply treasured as a compelling demonstration of strength and an enduring source of inspiration.

References:

1. Paul, Sheuli, Shradha Salunkhe, Shailaja V Mane, and Poulomi A Ghosh. “Dr. Kadambini Ganguly (1861-1923): A Pioneer In Indian Medicine.” Cureus, June 30, 2024. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.63543.

2. Global. “Kadambini Ganguly | UncoverED | Global,” June 24, 2024. https://global.ed.ac.uk/uncovered/1860-1900/kadambini-ganguly.

3. “Dr Kadambini Ganguli: Pioneer of Medical Studies in India | RCP Museum,” August 17, 2023. https://history.rcp.ac.uk/blog/dr-kadambini-ganguli-pioneer-medical-studies-india.

4. Circle, Team Her. “Kadambini Ganguly: Pioneering India’s Medical Landscape,” October 31, 2023. https://www.hercircle.in/engage/get-inspired/achievers/kadambini-ganguly-pioneering-india39s-medical-landscape-6157.html#:~:text=Journey%20to%20Becoming%20One%20of,generations%20of%20women%20in%20medicine.

_MSM/SE