Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Trailblazer Irawati Karve

INIndia|

Irawati Karve, a pioneering figure in anthropology and women's education in India, is remembered for her groundbreaking contributions and fearless defiance of societal norms. Born in 1905 in Burma, Karve became India's first female anthropologist and a college professor at a time when such achievements were nearly unattainable for women.

A new book titled "Iru: The Remarkable Life of Irawati Karve," co-authored by her granddaughter Urmilla Deshpande, highlights her journey against the backdrop of a repressive societal structure. She pursued advanced studies in Germany, confronting racial theories posited by her mentor, Eugen Fischer, which claimed that white Europeans were superior. Karve's research contradicted these views, demonstrating no correlation between race and intelligence, which marked a significant dissent against eugenics.

Upon returning to India, Karve conducted field studies among various tribes, often showcasing immense courage. She traversed rugged terrains, participated in archaeological expeditions, and engaged with diverse communities, advocating for kindness and understanding beyond caste and religion.

Karve's legacy lives on as an inspiring testament to perseverance, empathy, and the quest for equality in a historically male-dominated field.

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