ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on one such lexicon that was compiled over many decades by two Scandinavian Lutheran missionaries working among the Santals of eastern India. This lexicon is universally acknowledged as a remarkable example of extensive linguistic work in a tribal language, perhaps unequalled by any other tribal language of the world. It is worth noting that linguistic work in the Santali language was first initiated by missionaries working among the Santals during the mid-19th century. The mission that came into existence was called the Indian Home Mission to the Santals or simply the Santal Mission. Olav Hodne, on the other hand, describes A Santal Dictionary as an encyclopaedic dictionary and eulogizes it as a unique work: the Santals have not only a Dictionary, but also an Encyclopedia that no other tribal people in the world can equal. A careful study of A Santal Dictionary bears out the accuracy of Olav Hodne's observation.
