author
Arthur Berriedale Keith
1879–1944
A scholar who moved with ease between ancient Sanskrit texts and the machinery of empire, he built a reputation as both an Indologist and a constitutional historian. His work helped shape English-language study of Vedic and classical Indian literature in the early 20th century.
1 Audiobook
The Sanskrit drama : in its origin, development, theory and practice
by Arthur Berriedale Keith
About the author
Born in Edinburgh on April 5, 1879, Arthur Berriedale Keith was a Scottish constitutional lawyer, Sanskrit scholar, and Indologist. He studied at the Royal High School and the University of Edinburgh before continuing at Balliol College, Oxford, and he was called to the English bar.
Before returning fully to academic life, he spent many years in the Colonial Office, including service as private secretary to Sir John Anderson. In 1914 he became Regius Professor of Sanskrit and Comparative Philology at the University of Edinburgh, and later also lectured on the constitution of the British Empire.
Keith is remembered for bringing together wide learning in law, language, and history. He wrote extensively on Sanskrit literature, Vedic religion, and constitutional questions, and remained a central figure at Edinburgh until his death on October 6, 1944.