I am undertaking research into this remarkable individual who died at Florence Villa, Grampound Road, between St Austell and Truro on the 20th October 1906.
Henry was the son of Peter Raverty, a surgeon in the Navy. He was born on the 31st May 1825 and was educated in Cornwall. In 1843, he entered the service of the Honourable East India Company and joined the 3rd Bombay Infantry. He served during the Punjab campaign of 1849-50 and also in the campaign against the tribes in the Swat Valley in 1850.
Henry's service in Afghanistan lead to a lifelong interest in the language of that country and in 1855, he published a Pushtu grammar. This was followed in 1860 by his Pushtu dictionary a second edition appearing in 1867.
He also wrote several books on the area and was referred to in Kipling's "The man who would be King" (Page 214, line 20).
Henry wrote to John Lawrence, 1st Baron Lawrence , the first Viceroy of India, the copious document being " a neatly written letter enclosing two very clever water colour sketches of two ruffians, who appear to be a cross-bred between Pathan and Zouave". Henry's plan was to recruit from the peoples of Afghanistan a regiment to assist the British against its enemies.
Rudyard Kipling referered to this letter:-
"who was the daring man that fancied 'J.L' would like to look at water colour pictures in the middle of his office-work? Someone who wrote a femininely delicate hand, and had much to say. Raverty is his name- Lieutenant H.G.Raverty, of the 3rd Bombay Native Infantry...".
Throughout his life, Henry seems to have been at odds with many in high places regarding his works on the language and people of Afghanistan. The local papers have several references to him taking individuals to court in connection with his publications.
I have discovered a great deal about the man and I am waiting for copies of his experiences in the Punjab campaign to be sent to me by the British Library (ref: Mss Eur J711).
Does anyone know where he is buried?
Are there any images of him that have survived?
Any help would be welcome.
Mark
