SLATER, Gilbert. Plymouth 27.8.1864 — Oxford 8.3.1938. British Economist and Social Reformer. Son of a school teacher, Daniel Slater. Studied economics (M.A.), one of the first doctors at the London School of Economics. In 1909-15 Principal of Ruskin College in Oxford. From 1915 the first Professor of economics at Madras University, then 1921-22 in Madras Legislative Council before returning to the U.K. Married 1897 Violet Oakeshott.
Slater had studied Tamil in London as preparation for his career in India. With his team he performed a survey of the villages of Madras Presidency and suggested important economic improvements in order to eradicate poverty. At the same time he developed a keen interest in Dravidian culture. In retirement he concentrated on Shakespeare studies (with the curious theory of seven different writers as the real authors of the plays).
Publications: Some South Indian Villages. 265 p. L. 1919.
– The Dravidian Element in Indian Culture. 192 p. 7 pl. L. 1924.
– Southern India, Its Political and Economic Problems. 383 p. L. 1936.
– Also wrote much on British economy and on Shakespeare.
Sources: Wikipedia.