Dr verrier elwin

Dr. Verrier Elwin was a self trained anthropologist, ethnologist and tribal activist. Elwin is best known for his early work with the Baigas and Gonds of Central India. In time he became an authority on Indian tribal lifestyle and culture, particularly on the Gondi people.

Some of his works are :

  • Songs of the Forest: the folk poetry of the Gonds
  • The Agaria
  • Folk-songs of the Maikal Hills
  • Folk-songs of Chhattisgarh
  • The Muria and their Ghotul
  • Maria Murder and Suicide
  • Leaves from the Jungle: life in a Gond village
  • The Baiga

 

In Maria Suicide and Murder (1943), Verrier Elwin wrote that the “Anga gods have a flair for detecting witches and other criminals” and “are often employed to discover thefts and surprise the secrets of black magic”.

Verrier Elwin has written very extensively of food of the Murias and other tribes. He says, “Of things to eat the Murias has a considerable variety, much more than would be available to people of similar economic status in a town. All the rich and varied produce of the great Bastar jungles is open to them; the state has not yet interfered with the right to natural roots, fruits and leaves-they may take what they want…”