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

"Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 2 of 7" by Edgar Thurston is an ethnographic study written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a detailed collection of information regarding various castes and tribes in Southern India, examining their customs, social structures, and cultural practices. The text aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex social fabric of the region during that time period. The opening of the volume introduces various castes, such as the Canji, Chacchadi, and Chakkiliyan, detailing their societal roles and characteristics. For instance, the Chakkiliyans are described as leather workers at the lowest rung of the caste hierarchy, with a range of customs from marriage practices to the specifics of their profession. The section outlines social norms, rituals, and physical traits associated with different groups, setting the stage for a thorough exploration of the sociocultural dynamics within Southern India. This foundational portion establishes the importance of caste identity and cultural heritage, engaging readers interested in anthropology, sociology, and history. (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.