CHALMERS, Robert (1919 first baron of Chalmers of Northiam). Stoke Newington, London 18.8.1858 — Oxford 17.11.1938. Lord. British (Scottish) Civil Servant and Indologist (Pāli Scholar). Born in London in a Scottish family, son of John Chalmers and Julia Mackay. Educated at City of London School (under E. Abbott). From 1877 studies of classical philology at Oriel College (Oxford), also natural science and some Sanskrit (B.A. 1881). After a brief period in Edinburgh employed from 1882 at Ministry of Finance (from 1903 Assistant Undersecretary, from 1911 Permanent Undersecretary). Governor of Ceylon from 1913 to 1915. He had difficulties because of serious disturbances between Buddhists and Muslims, and his measures were severely criticized. In 1916 returned to Ministry of Finance. Served six months in government of Ireland. Retired in 1919 and got the baronetcy. Some years lived in Leicestershire, in 1925 returned to Oxford. Hon. LL.D. Glasgow 1913, D.Litt. Oxford 1923, LL.D. Cambridge 1924 and St.Andrews 1930. Fellow of British Academy 1927. Married 1888 Maud Mary Piggott (1867–1923), both sons died in the WW I, one daughter, again married 1935 Iris Florence Latta (née Biles, d. 1966). C.B. 1900, K.C.B. 1908, G.C.B. 1916, bart. 1919. President of the R.A.S. 1922-25. Master of Peterhouse (Cambridge) 1924-31.
As a Pāli scholar Chalmers was a student of Rhys Davids and as a wealthy man an important support for the P.T.S. As a translator he dealt with the texts rather freely lopping off repetitions and translating even technical terms.
Publications:Translated from Greek: “The Parables of Barlaam and Joasaph”, JRAS 1891, 423-449.
– A History of Currency in the British Colonies. 8+496 p. L. 1893.
– “The Lineage of “Proud King””, JRAS 1892, 39-51 (on Jātakas); “The Madhura Sutta concerning Caste”, JRAS 1894, 341-366 (Majjhimanokāya 84 edited, translated and studied); other MN Suttas, JRAS 1894, 386f., 1895, 751-771; “The King of Siam’s Edition of the Pāli Tipiṭaka”, JRAS 1898, 1-10; “Tathāgata”, JRAS 1898, 103-115 (with lively discussion in this and the next volume); “Buddhaghosa and his Work”, CALR 1:1, 1915.
– Edited with Trenckner & Mrs. Rhys Davids: Majjhima Nikāya. 1-4. L. 1888-99, 1925 (vol. 1 by Tr., 2-3 by R.C., 4 by R.D.; P.T.S. Text series 60-63).
– Translated vol. 1 of the Jātaka Stories. (Ed. by E. B. Cowell.) 26+324 p. P.T.S. Transl. Series 1. 1895; Majjhima Nikāya. Further Dialogues of the Buddha. 1-2. 371+351 p. S.B.B. 1-2. 1926-27.
– Edited and translated: Buddha’s Teachings being the Suttanipāta. 22+300 p. H.O.S. 37. Cambridge Mass. 1932.
Sources: D.N.B.; Peiris, Buddhism, 37-40 with photo; T.L. Heath & P.E. Matheson, Proc. British Acad. 25, 1941, 320-331 with photo; F.W. Thomas, JRAS 1939, 328-334; Wikipedia with portrait and photo.
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