Due to the relentless and enthusiastic efforts of Dr. Hahnemann`s followers, Homoeopathy spread its wings throughout the world, and especially in India. The ideological basis of Homoeopathy appealed to Indian predispositions, and it did not take long for India to imbibe this unique medical system. Literally, Homoeopathy was introduced in Bengal, in 1810 through German doctors and missionaries, who distributed Homoeopathic medicines among the general public. In no time, during the mid 19th century several Indian Civil and Military Services employees developed into amateur and successful Homoeopaths

That Homoeopathy was bogged down in controversy right from the time of its introduction, is revealed by a true account given by Dr. John Martin Hoenigberger - who studied Homoeopathy under Dr. Hahnemann - he narrates his experience when came to Lahore in 1839 for the second time and tried to cure Maharaja Ranjit Singh suffering astutely from paralysis of the vocal chords and oedema. However, due to opposition from hakims and Hindu physicians, who boasted of medical knowledge they did not possess, the Maharaja was administered. However, despite all controversies, Homoeopathy continued to thrive.

Homeopathy has ruled the roost in different regions of India, since its ingress in the country. It continued to fan out and Indians found in its philosophy and principles, a reflection of their belief and culture. A large number of missionaries, amateurs in Indian civil and military service personals practiced Homoeopathy extensively and circulated this system mostly in Bengal and South India.

Homoeopathy continued to fan out and by the beginning of 20th century most of the important cities in India had Homoeopathic dispensaries. The popularity of the system led to a mushroom growth of doctors practicing Homoeopathy. Seeing this condemnable state of affairs, efforts were made by the Government. It took several steps and in 1948, a Homoeopathic Enquiry Committee was set up to bring about a suitable arrangement to regulate teaching and practice of Homoeopathy. Homoeopathy has now been accepted as one of the National Systems of Medicine in India.

In the second half of the nineteenth century, some Homoeopathic dispensaries and hospitals were opened in Bengal and in the South. In the year 1861 a remarkable personality appeared in Calcutta, viz. Babu Rajendralal Dutta, a millionaire, philanthropist and social worker. He was principally instrumental in establishing the Homoeopathic Hospital in Calcutta with the help of Dr. Tonnere- the first Health Officer of the town of Calcutta.

Homeopathy is well suited for the people of India, especially the under privileged, in order to cure various ailments, as it matches the capacity of the Indian pocket. Gradually, Homoeopathic dispensaries sprung up in other cities such as Benaras and Allahabad, and by the beginning of the twentieth century, all cities and even towns had homoeopathic dispensaries.

When more and more people started going to homoeopathic doctors, and their being dearth of qualified homoeopaths, untrained quacks entered the profession by acquiring certificates from bogus institutions. Seeing this deplorable state of affairs, a group of institutionally trained homoeopaths made efforts for the Government recognition of homoeopathic training and practice on the right lines.