The story of Kamala and Amala, famously known as the “wolf children,” is one of the most intriguing and haunting cases of children raised by wild animals. Discovered in 1920 in the dense jungles of Godamuri, India, their tale has captivated the imaginations of people worldwide and raised profound questions about human nature, identity, and the boundaries between civilization and the wild.
Kamala, around 8 years old, and Amala, approximately 3 years old, were found living with a she-wolf and her pack. The circumstances that led to the girls’ integration into the wolf family remain shrouded in mystery. Were they sisters, or had fate brought two unrelated children together in the wilderness? These questions have never been definitively answered.
The girls were discovered by Reverend J.A.L. Singh, a missionary who was drawn to the jungle by reports of strange, animal-like children. Upon finding them, he was struck by their distinctly wolf-like behavior—they walked on all fours, howled at night, and seemed utterly disconnected from human social norms. Singh made the difficult decision to take the girls back to his orphanage, where he endeavored to reintegrate them into human society.
The process was slow and fraught with challenges. The girls were initially fearful and resistant, unable to understand or adapt to the new environment that was so foreign to them. However, with time, they began to show signs of progress. They learned to walk upright, use utensils, and even utter a few human words. Despite these advancements, their early years in the wild had left indelible marks on their physical and psychological development.
Tragically, both Kamala and Amala succumbed to illnesses that cut their lives short. Amala died first, within a year of being discovered, followed by Kamala a few years later. Their deaths left Reverend Singh with a deep sense of loss and a haunting question: Had he done the right thing by taking them from the only life they had ever known? Singh’s reflection on whether the girls would have been better off left in the wild underscores the complexity of their situation.
The story of Kamala and Amala continues to be a subject of fascination and debate. It challenges our understanding of what it means to be human and the role that environment plays in shaping identity. The wolf children’s story is a poignant reminder of the thin line that separates humanity from the wild and the profound impact that early experiences can have on a person’s life.
