Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 2 of 7

Name: Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 2 of 7
Author: Edgar Thurston

By Edgar Thurston

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About This Book

The volume presents an alphabetical ethnographic survey of southern Indian social groups, offering concise entries on communities whose names fall between C and J. Each entry documents occupations, marriage rules, religious practices, dress, and dietary customs alongside measured anthropometric data and local terminology. Field observations are supplemented by illustrations and comparative tables that record crafts, rituals, and daily institutions such as leatherwork, weaving, and food preparation. The overall focus is descriptive: mapping the variety of kinship patterns, caste septs, ritual observances, and material culture that shape rural social life in the region.

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.