Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 4 of 7

"Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 4 of 7" by Edgar Thurston is an anthropological study written in the early 20th century. This volume delves into the diverse castes and tribes of Southern India, providing detailed descriptions, histories, and social customs associated with various groups, particularly focusing on those from K to M. The work serves as a comprehensive reference for understanding the complexities of social structures and cultural practices within these communities. The opening of the volume introduces specific castes, such as the Koronos and Kotas, detailing their origins, societal roles, and customs. It describes the Koronos as an accountant caste linked to various historical interpretations and folklore about their origins, alongside their marital and dietary practices. The Kotas are depicted as skilled artisans engaged in various trades but also depicted as socially marginalized due to their dietary habits and rituals. This portion sets a detailed and informative tone for the book, establishing its intent to document and preserve the intricate tapestry of Southern India's social fabric. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Edgar Thurston was the British Superintendent at the Madras Government Museum from 1885 to 1908 who contributed to research studies in the fields of zoology, ethnology and botany of India, and later also published his works at the museum. Thurston was educated in medicine and lectured in anatomy at the Madras Medical College while simultaneously holding a senior position at the museum. His early works were on numismatics and geology, and these were later followed by researches in anthropology and ethnography. He succeeded Frederick S. Mullaly as the Superintendent of Ethnography for the Madras Presidency.