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

A comprehensive ethnographic study written in the early 20th century. This work presents a meticulous examination of over 300 castes and tribes across the Madras Presidency, documenting their customs, physical characteristics, and societal structure. Thurston, an official involved in anthropological research, seeks to address the lives and complexities of these diverse groups, providing insight into the impacts of modernization on their traditional ways of life. The beginning of this volume outlines the author's motivations and research endeavors, detailing how his work commenced with a focus on tribes in the Nilgiri hills and expanded to encompass a broad geospatial survey of the region. Thurston reflects on the challenges he faced during this anthropometric investigation, including the superstitions and fears of local populations regarding his measurements and methods. He explains the purpose of his study, the significance of various cultural practices, and the pressing need to record these traditions before they are lost to modern influences. The introduction sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the demographics and customs of the tribes and castes that inhabit Southern India.