Walter Elliot (naturalist)

Walter Elliot (1803 – 1887) was a Scottish civil servant in the Madras Presidency, ethnologist, and naturalist who made significant contributions to the study of the flora, fauna, geology, and ethnography of southern India. He is particularly known for his work documenting the languages and cultures of the people of the Madras Presidency, as well as for his extensive collection of zoological and botanical specimens.

Elliot joined the East India Company's civil service in 1820 and served in various administrative positions in the Madras Presidency, including collector and magistrate. His postings allowed him to pursue his interests in natural history and ethnology.

His most notable zoological work was the identification and classification of numerous species of fish, birds, and mammals. He corresponded with prominent naturalists of the time, including Sir William Jardine, and contributed specimens to museums in Britain. The Elliot's Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron elliotii) is named in his honour. He also documented and classified many plant species.

Elliot was a keen student of Indian languages and culture. He amassed a large collection of inscriptions, coins, and other artifacts, which provided valuable insights into the history of the region. He published extensively on the languages, customs, and religions of the people of the Madras Presidency. His work on the Dravidian languages was particularly influential. He was a member of the Royal Asiatic Society and contributed numerous articles to its journal.

After retiring from the East India Company in 1860, Elliot returned to Scotland and continued his research. He donated his extensive collections to various museums and institutions, including the British Museum and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1874. His contributions remain important resources for understanding the natural history and cultural heritage of southern India.