Jean-Antoine Dubois
Jean-Antoine Dubois | |
|---|---|
| Dodda Swamiyar ("Great Holy Man") | |
Lithograph by François-Séraphin Delpech, c. 1820 | |
| Church | Catholic Church |
| Province | Missions Étrangères de Paris (MEP) |
| In office | 1792–1848 |
| Other posts |
|
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1792 by Diocese of Viviers |
| Rank | Priest |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Jean-Antoine Dubois January 1765 |
| Died | 17 February 1848 (aged 83) |
| Occupation | Missionary • Indologist • Author |
Abbé J. A. Dubois or Jean-Antoine Dubois (French pronunciation: [ʒɑ̃ ɑ̃twan dybwa]; January 1765 – 17 February 1848) was a French Catholic missionary in India, and member of the Missions Etrangères de Paris; he was called Dodda Swami by the local people. In his work on Hindu manners, customs and traditions he presented Indian cultures, traditions, thoughts and the varnasrama system. He returned to France, and authored a book of Indology, Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies.
Dubois is remembered in India for having adopted the way of life, clothing, vegetarianism and language typical of a Hindu monk or renunciate, and earning trust and respect. He failed, however, in his mission of converting Indians to Christianity; and often expressed the opinion that the project was doomed to failure.