India's pioneering female anthropologist who challenged Nazi race theories

Irawati Karve was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to anthropology and Indian culture. Born in 1905 in Burma, now known as Myanmar, she was the only girl among six siblings. During a time when women had limited rights, Irawati's family supported her education, which was quite unusual. At the age of seven, she was sent to a boarding school in Pune, a decision made by her father that allowed her to pursue knowledge instead of being married off like many girls of her time. In Pune, she met RP Paranjpye, a progressive educator who became a father figure to her. He encouraged her to think critically and pursue her dreams. Irawati's journey took her to Germany, where she became India's first female anthropologist. She faced many challenges, including the disapproval of her biological father, but with the support of her husband Dinkar Karve and Paranjpye, she was able to study under the famous anthropologist Eugen Fischer. Irawati's time in Germany was marked by the rise of anti-Semitism, and she witnessed the tragic murder of a Jewish student, which deeply affected her. While working on her doctoral thesis, she was tasked with proving that white Europeans were superior to non-white Europeans. However, her research contradicted this hypothesis, as she found no link between race and intelligence. Despite the risk of failing her degree, Irawati presented her findings, which challenged the prevailing theories of her time. Although she received a low grade from Fischer, her work laid the groundwork for future discussions on race and discrimination. After returning to India, Irawati continued her research, often traveling to remote villages to study various tribes. She faced societal prejudices and personal challenges but remained committed to her work. Irawati's empathy for others was evident in her willingness to engage with people from different backgrounds, even partaking in their customs. She believed in the importance of understanding and respecting all cultures. Her legacy lives on through her writings and the inspiration she provides to future generations. A new book titled 'Iru: The Remarkable Life of Irawati Karve' sheds light on her extraordinary life and the obstacles she overcame. It was written by her granddaughter Urmilla Deshpande and academic Thiago Pinto Barbosa, who aim to honor Irawati's contributions and inspire others to follow in her footsteps. Irawati's story is a testament to the power of education, courage, and compassion.