JIM CORBETT: AN ENVIRONMENTALIST AND VISIONARY LEGEND OF WILDLIFE AND RURAL FOLK IN THE FOOTHILLS OF HIMALAYAS

Abstract

Edward James Jim Corbett popularly known in India as ‘Jim Corbett’ whom we generally consider as a hunter was also a front-runner tiger and environmental conservationist too. As it is well known that between 1907 and 1938, he trailed and shot 19 tigers and 14 leopards; a total of 33 recorded and documented man-eaters in the Himalayas. It is an estimate that these tigers and leopards had killed more than 1,200 men, women and children in the region. In spite of killing these deadly animals; Corbett in India is still remembered as a great environmentalist, who devoted his life to jungle ecosystem. He has achieved great love and respect in the memories of peoples in the areas where he worked. Jim spent his childhood in solitude observing nature. He has immense love for the flora, fauna and local folks of his area. Books written by him contain good accompanying information on the flora and fauna and also village life of the Himalayan region. To credit his valuable work in the field of animal and plant conservation first national park of India earlier known as ‘Hailey National Park’ now named after him as ‘Jim Corbett National Park’. The present paper explores the role of Jim Corbett as a hunter, environmentalist and savior of his people. The paper reflects the light upon the unseen sides of Corbett; the inner side of a hunter, the Legend of Jim Corbett which is alive in hearts and minds of people all over the world and his contribution to mankind and wildlife which cannot be ignored.