Amala and Kamala

Amala and Kamala

Amala and Kamala were two feral children from India who were reportedly discovered in 1920 by Reverend Joseph Amrito Lal Singh, a missionary in the village of Midnapore, West Bengal. The story of Amala and Kamala has been a subject of much debate and controversy, often cited in discussions about human development and the effects of isolation on childhood development.

Discovery

According to Singh's account, Amala and Kamala were found living in a wolf den with a pack of wolves. Singh claimed that the children exhibited wolf-like behavior, such as walking on all fours, eating raw meat, and howling. They were believed to be around 8 and 12 years old at the time of their discovery.

Life at the Orphanage

After their discovery, Amala and Kamala were taken to an orphanage run by Singh. He documented their progress and attempted to teach them human behavior and language. Amala, the younger of the two, died a year after their discovery, while Kamala lived until 1929. Singh's reports indicated that Kamala gradually learned some basic social skills and language, although her development was significantly delayed compared to other children her age.

Controversy

The story of Amala and Kamala has been met with skepticism by many anthropologists and psychologists. Some researchers have questioned the accuracy of Singh's reports, suggesting that the children may have had developmental disabilities rather than being raised by wolves. Others have pointed out inconsistencies in the timeline and details of the story.

Legacy

Despite the controversy, the story of Amala and Kamala has been influential in discussions about feral children and the impact of social isolation on human development. It has been referenced in various psychology and sociology texts and has inspired numerous literary and cinematic works.

Related pages

• Feral child
• Socialization
• Human development
• Isolation (psychology)