Obituary Notice: Henry Beveridge
Summary
This obituary commemorates Henry Beveridge, a distinguished historian and translator of Persian and Arabic chronicles. Born in 1837 and passing away in November 1929, Beveridge served in the Indian civil service before devoting himself to scholarship. The article traces his contributions, including his translations of Abū’l‑Fazl’s 'Akbar‑Nāma' and 'Ā’īn‑i Akbarī', as well as his works on the history of Bakarganj and on the judicial trial of Nanda Kumar. The writer emphasises Beveridge’s intellectual integrity, noting his willingness to criticise colonial policies when he deemed them unjust. Anecdotes about his courtesy to younger scholars and his generosity with his expertise illustrate his character. The obituary also pays tribute to his wife, who translated Bābar’s memoirs and other Mughal texts, and mentions that their son is a noted economist. The piece concludes by acknowledging the void left by Beveridge’s death and by encouraging continued study of the Mughal era to which he devoted much of his life.
AI-assisted summary, not yet checked. Consult the original PDF before citing.
Conclusion
By celebrating the life and work of Henry Beveridge, this obituary underscores the impact that dedicated scholars can have on the understanding of India’s past. Beveridge’s translations and histories remain standard references, and his example of scholarly independence continues to inspire historians.