Birth Centenary of Jim Corbett (1875-1955)

Edward James Corbett, better known as Jim Corbett, was born in Nainital on July 25, 1875. His father, Christopher Corbett, served as a Post Master in Nainital, where Jim received his early education up to Matric. During his childhood, he spent most of his holidays at the family’s winter home in Kaladhungi, near Nainital, where he developed a deep understanding of the jungle and its wildlife.

At the age of 18, Jim Corbett secured a job in the Railways at Mokameh Ghat in Bihar, initially working as a Fuel Inspector and later as Assistant Station Master and Store Keeper. Eventually, he became a labor contractor. During the First World War, he recruited 500 men from Kumaon and led them to France.

Upon returning to Nainital in 1920, Corbett became a Member of the Municipal Board, serving until 1944. During the Second World War, he provided Jungle Warfare Training to soldiers. Throughout his life, Corbett displayed exceptional knowledge of the Kumaon forests and wildlife, particularly in dealing with man-eating tigers and leopards. He shot dead 12 such man-eaters that had killed at least 1500 people in Kumaon villages.

Despite his hunting activities, Corbett was a passionate lover of wildlife and emphasized that wild animals seldom harmed humans unless wounded or provoked. He worked tirelessly to preserve India’s wildlife, forming a society and publishing the magazine “Indian Wild Life.” His efforts led to the establishment of the Hailey National Park in Garhwal, later renamed Corbett National Park in 1957 to honor his contributions.

Corbett was also a prolific writer, penning six popular books including “Man-eaters of Kumaon,” “My India,” “Man-eating Leopard of Rudraprayag,” “Jungle Lore,” “Temple Tiger,” and “Tree Tops.” He generously used his royalties to support the blind in England and India, as well as providing medicine and welfare support to the people of Kumaon.

In 1947, Jim Corbett migrated to Kenya with his sister Maggie, where he passed away on April 19, 1955, in Nyeri, at the age of 80. His house in Kaladhungi has been acquired by the Government of Uttar Pradesh and maintained as a museum. In honor of his contributions, the Posts & Telegraphs Department issued a commemorative stamp during the year of his birth centenary.