Dr. Hermann-Gundert and Calw*
Herbert Karl
Calw is the place, where Hermann Gundert had spent the last 30
years of his life. Here is where this famous missionary and philologist
accomplished his philological studies with the publication of the
Malayalam-English dictionary which up to this day is known to be one
of the most important works of the Malayalam language.
Gundert was completely engaged in his indological research-
work. When he returned to Germany he accepted the position of a director
of the publishing-house in Calw only on the condition that he would be
able to complete his studies.
Hermann Gundert was an outstanding person. After having passed
his theological studies he then graduated in philology and went to
England. Later he moved to South India where he worked as missionary
and philologist for almost twenty years in Malabar, which today is North
Kerala. India in those days was politically influenced by the British and
particulary Malabar as a British colony. There was no German attention
to this part of the world while the Netherlands and Great Britain had great
interest in South India for economical and financial reasons. Not So
Gundert, who in his very heart was devoted to humanism and a great
admirer of the Indian culture. He can be said to be a pioneer for Indian
literature and philosophy in our country.
As citizens of Calw we are very proud that Hermann Hesse was
born here. Hermann Gundert was his grandfather and had intensive
influence on his literary work. When reading his books you can feel the
tension between the tolerant grandfather Gundert and the rigorous
christian oriented education which Hesse received through his parents.
Gundert combined both - a deep religiousness and openmindedness. For
example, Gundert always was visited by people from all over the world.
This was something extraordinary in our small town in those days, I'm
sure, it was exactly this influence which was decisive for Hesse to write
his well known book "Siddharta", the book, by the way, I like best.
The old as well as the modern Calwisaplace of outstanding scenic
and architectural beauty. Narrow streets and alleys, squares and bridges
invite the visitor to linger and enjoy the cosy atmosphere. The distinctive
character of this town, located at the bottom of the narrow Nagold valley
and populated up to the slopes on both sides of the river, has a long and
eventful history. The first historic reference dated back to 1075. Calw was
