Contents
Verrier Elwin
Anthropological writing and advocacy concerning India’s tribal communities.
The Tribal World of Verrier Elwin · Sahitya Akademi Award
- Born
- 29 August 1902
- Birthplace
- Dover
- Died
- 22 February 1964
More people
Verrier Elwin
British-born Indian ethnographer who moved from missionary work into long-term study of Gond and Baiga communities. He later advised the government on tribal affairs in northeastern India.
Early life
Oxford formation
Born in Dover, he studied English and theology at Oxford and was ordained in the Church of England before travelling to India.
Career
- 1927
Move to India
Joined a missionary community in Pune.
- 1945
Anthropological Survey
Became deputy director of the newly formed survey.
- 1954
Northeastern advisory work
Took up government work concerning tribal communities in the northeast.
Selected work
The Tribal World of Verrier Elwin
His autobiography recorded the course of his life in India.
Sahitya Akademi Award
The autobiography received the English-language award posthumously.
Beyond work
Changing commitments
Gandhi and Tagore influenced his departure from a conventional missionary outlook. He made his home among the communities he studied.
Sources & photo credit
Biography and career ↗Biographical references ↗Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
Photo: Shilpa ks 75. CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.