Kumar Suresh Singh Dies

Kumar Suresh Singh (K. S. Singh), Director General of the Anthropological Survey of India, compiler of the massive survey, People of India, and the person credited with renewing interest in the life of Adivasi hero Birsa Munda, died recently. Unfortunately, one would hardly know. The only news story about it online (he doesn’t even have a Wikipedia page …) requires a subscription to access. However, there are some excerpts from the obituary quoted over at Amitava Kumar’s blog.

I’m just beginning to explore the Indian anthropological literature. I’ve ordered volume three of People of India for my school’s library, but haven’t yet read it. Still, I’m surprised at the relative lack of attention the passing of such an important anthropologist has received. If any of our readers can point out additional links it would be much appreciated.

UPDATE: Here is a link to K.S. Singh’s book on Birsa Munda.

P. Kerim Friedman is an assistant professor in the Department of Ethnic Relations and Cultures at National Dong Hwa University, in Taiwan, where he teaches linguistic and visual anthropology. He is co-director of the film Please Don't Beat Me, Sir!, winner of the 2011 Jean Rouch Award from the Society of Visual Anthropology. Follow Kerim on Twitter.