FERRARI, Alfonsa. Aquila 1.11.1918 — 1.1.1954. Italian Indologist. Professor in Rome. Grew up in Milano, studied in Rome, graduated in 1941 under Formichi and 1945 under Tucci (Indian religion and philosophy). From 1945 assistente straordinario di sanscrit. In 1946 and 1947-48 further studies of Buddhism, Tibetan and Sanskrit literature in…
FERRAR, Michael Lloyd. Coleraine, Londonderry 1839 — 1904. British (Irish) Civil Servant in India. Son of Michael Lloyd Ferrar, a cavalry officer of Indian army, and Mary Minchin (d. 1858). Joined I.C.S. and arrived in 1863 and retired 1899. In 1871 served in Seetapore, Audh. Married 1870 Rosa Margaret O’Donnell…
FERNANDEZ, Gonçalo. 1541 — 1619/21. Father. Portuguese Jesuit in India. Arrived in India in 1560 as a soldier, but soon turned to religion and joined the S.J. In charge of the Mission in Madurai from 1595, he became Roberto De Nobili’s superior, but strongly opposed to the new methods of…
FERGUSON, William. Urquhart and Logie Wester, Ross-shire 18.7.1820 — Colombo 31.7.1887. British (Scottish) Civil Servant and Botanist in Sri Lanka. Son of John F. and Ann Mackerras, brother of —> Alastair M. F. Joined C.C.S. in 1839. Beside botany he was also interested in herpetology and entomology. Married 1852 Robina…
FERGUSON, Alastair Mackenzie. Urquhart and Logie Wester (Cannon Bridge?), Rossshire 25.1.1816 — Colombo 26.12.1892. British (Scottish) Journalist in Sri Lanka. Son of John F. and Ann Mackerras, brother of —> William F. Came to Ceylon in 1837 in the staff of Governor J. A. Stewart Mackenzie. Worked as planter, customs…
FELL, Edward. 17?? — 1824. British Colonial Officer in India. From 1807 Lieutenant, then Captain of 10th Native Infantry. Superintendent of Benares Sanskrit College, from 1820 until death. In 1819 he examined the remains of Sanchi and wrote the first published decription. He is reputed to have mastered Sanskrit. A…
CHANTRAINE, Pierre Louis. Lille 15.9.1899 — Paris 30.6.1974. French Classical (Greek) Scholar and Linguist also interested in India. Professor in Paris. Son of a classical scholar. Educated in Cambrai, studies in Paris and Lille (Ernout, aggrégation 1922), in 1922–25 again in Paris (Meillet, also Vendryes, Bloch, P. Mazon). Ph.D. 1927.…
FEIST, Samuel Sigmund. Mainz 12.6.1865 — Copenhagen 23.3.1943. German IE Linguist and Pedagogue. Son of David F. and Juliana Marx. Ph.D. Director of the Reichenheim Orphanage in Berlin, 1906-35. In 1939 emigrated as Jew to Denmark and died there, the widow and daughters escaped to the U.S.A. Married Antonie (Toni)…
FAULKNER, Alexander. 18?? — 1881?. British Civil Servant in India. He joined Bombay Civil Service in 1839 and made his career in Customs, Salt, and Opium Department, served in various positions there (1856 he was Assistant Commissioner) at least until 1874. The death of A.F., member of R.A.S., was announced…
FANTIN-DESODOARDS (F. des Odoards), Antoine-Étienne Nicolas. Le Pont-de-Beauvoisin (Isère) 26.12.1738 — Paris 25.9.1820. French Former Clergyman, Historical Author and Revolutionary. Entered ecclesiastic career in 1750. Joined S.J., ordained priest, after the suppression of Jesuits spent some time as a refugee in Tuscany. Back in 1773 he became prior in Betteville…