17 Facts About John Beames

John William Beames was a civil servant and author in British India.

John Beames served in the Punjab from March 1859 to late 1861, and in Bengal from December 1861 until the conclusion of his service in 1893.

John Beames was a scholar of Indian history, literature and linguistics.

John Beames was the eldest son of Rev Thomas Beames, preacher of St James's Church, Piccadilly and grandson of John Beames Esq.

John Beames arrived in India in 1858 to work in the Indian Civil Service, serving in the Punjab from March 1859 to late 1861.

John Beames thrice officiated as a Member of the Board of Revenue.

John Beames was a District Officer and Collector of several districts in Bengal, and the Commissioner of Chittagong until he retired in 1893.

John Beames proceeded to serve as the Collector of Balasore and Cuttack, became an important interlocutor of local linguistic and cultural aspirations.

John Beames made outstanding contributions for regional formations in Eastern India.

John Beames suggested the British Government abolish all Odia Vernacular Schools from Odisha and convert them into Bengali Vernacular Schools.

John Beames, who stayed for a considerable time in Odisha and worked for the survival of Odia language, said on the topic:.

John Beames learnt Odia and wrote on its language, literature, temple iconography, fortresses and folklore.

John Beames identified with local sentiments for the preservation and promotion of the Odia language.

John Beames wrote on the poetry of DinaKhrushna Das and pioneered comparative folk culture studies with the publication of his folklore of Odisha.

John Beames was a die-hard conservative who allowed his personal preferences to colour his professional judgements and interactions with his Indian juniors in the ICS.

John Beames was asked to leave the room while De, fully seated, was extensively questioned by the committee members.

John Beames retired to Clevedon, Somerset, where he died on 24 May 1902.