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

In this richly illustrated volume, the author invites listeners into the everyday world of Southern India's diverse castes and tribes. With a particular focus on the Kabbēras—a community of fishermen and cultivators—the narrative weaves together social structure, religious practice, and the rhythms of river life. Vivid anecdotes about coracle journeys, ritual ceremonies, and village customs bring the region’s heritage to audible life.

The book balances scholarly detail with engaging storytelling, describing everything from the intricate sept divisions within the Kabbēras to the colorful festivals that mark their calendar. Listeners will hear colorful recollections of river crossings, the clatter of brass bands on riverbanks, and the gentle humor of a missionary’s misadventure on an unstable coracle. By the end of the first act, the listener gains a textured sense of how geography, belief, and occupation intertwine in these vibrant communities.