Ananda Kentish Coomaraswamy  was born on August 22, 1877 in Colombo, Sri Lank a, to Sir Muthu Coomaraswamy and Elizabeth  Clay  Beeby.  Ananda  lost his father when he was only two years old and was brought up by his mother in England. In 1900 he graduated with first-class and honours from the London University. Later he was awarded a Doctorate of Science degree in Geology by the same University.

Ananda Coomaraswamy worked as Director of Mineralogical Survey of Sri Lanka from 1903 to 1906. Discovery of thorianite, a cubical mineral of high specific gravity is a major contribution of Coomaraswamy  during  this  period.

Coomaraswamy's interests were not, however, confined to science. He was in particular inspired by the history and culture of India and travelled extensively in this country collecting some of the finest specimens of Indian paintings and drawings.

In 1917, Dr. Ananda Coomaraswamy joined the Museum  of Fine Arts in Boston, U.S.A.  as  Keeper   for  Indian Art  and continued  there  till  1947.

Coomaraswamy was a many-sided personality a linguist, philosopher, art historian and critic. A man of unbounded energy, Coomaraswamy  did  pioneering work in discovering and documenting thousands of works of art. Among his major works are 'Medieval Sinhalese Art', 'The Arts and Crafts of India and Ceylon', 'Essays in National Idealism', 'The  Dance of Shiva', 'A New Approach to the Vedas' and  'Catalogue of Indian Collections  in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston' to mention  only  a  few.

Coomaraswamy died at Needham, Boston in U.S.A. on September 9, 1947.

The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department feels proud to bring out a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the birth centenary of this colourful personality.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India