Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 3 of 7

Name: Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 3 of 7
Author: Edgar Thurston

By Edgar Thurston

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About This Book

A systematic ethnographic survey of numerous southern Indian communities whose names begin with K, presenting alphabetized entries that record origins, social divisions, occupations, rites, marriage and funeral customs. It details material culture and everyday practices — boat types, food offerings, craft occupations, and caste councils — and notes variations across districts and subgroups. Observations combine field reports, local informants, and earlier accounts, often citing rituals of purification, remarriage, exogamous septs, and agricultural ceremonies. Numerous illustrations and localized case notes support comparative descriptions of social organization and customary law.

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.