Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 1 of 7

Name: Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 1 of 7
Author: Edgar Thurston

By Edgar Thurston

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Archaeology & Anthropology

About This Book

A systematic ethnographic survey documents the peoples of southern India through field measurements, photographs, phonograph records, and archival research. It provides concise profiles of hundreds of castes and tribes within the Madras Presidency and neighbouring native states, detailing physical data alongside descriptions of kinship, ritual, customary law, occupations, and material culture. Entries mix observational notes and comparative commentary, supported by illustrations and references to district sources, aiming to map regional variation in social practices, belief, and lifeways across hill and lowland communities.

About the Author

Edgar Thurston

Edgar Thurston was a British ethnographer and civil servant known for his extensive work on the social structure of Southern India. His most notable contribution is the multi-volume series "Castes and Tribes of Southern India," which provides a comprehensive examination of the diverse communities in the region, detailing their customs, traditions, and social hierarchies. In addition to this seminal work, he also authored "Omens and Superstitions of Southern India," which explores the cultural beliefs and practices surrounding omens in the local context. Thurston's research has been influential in the fields of anthropology and sociology, offering valuable insights into the complexities of Indian society.