Amala and Kamala

Amala and Kamala

Amala and Kamala were two feral children who were reportedly discovered in 1920 in a forest in India. Their story has been the subject of much debate and controversy over the years, with questions about the authenticity of the accounts surrounding their discovery and upbringing.

Discovery

The children were found by Reverend Joseph Amrito Lal Singh, who was the rector of an orphanage in the village of Midnapore, West Bengal. According to Singh, the girls were discovered living in a wolf den, exhibiting behaviors similar to those of wolves. They were said to have been raised by wolves, which led to their feral nature.

Characteristics

Amala and Kamala were described as having several wolf-like characteristics. They reportedly walked on all fours, had a heightened sense of smell, and were nocturnal. Their diet consisted mainly of raw meat, and they were said to have howled like wolves.

Life at the Orphanage

After their discovery, the girls were taken to the orphanage run by Singh. Efforts were made to socialize them and integrate them into human society. However, progress was slow and challenging. Amala, the younger of the two, died in 1921, shortly after their discovery. Kamala lived until 1929, during which time she gradually learned some basic human behaviors and language skills.

Controversy

The story of Amala and Kamala has been met with skepticism by many researchers and scholars. Some have questioned the veracity of Singh's accounts, suggesting that the story may have been exaggerated or fabricated. Critics argue that the girls may have been developmentally disabled or suffered from other conditions that were misinterpreted as feral behavior.

Legacy

Despite the controversy, the story of Amala and Kamala has captured the imagination of many and has been referenced in various works on feral children and human development. Their case is often cited in discussions about the nature versus nurture debate and the impact of environment on human behavior.