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

An expansive, illustrated guide to the myriad communities that have shaped southern India, this volume dives deep into the social fabric of the region. From the stone‑carved temples of the Kuruba valleys to the elaborate burial customs of the Kurumba, each entry blends vivid photographs with concise cultural notes. The author traces the origins, occupations and religious practices of groups such as the Korono accountants, the weaving Kōshti, and the mountain‑dwelling Kotas, revealing how language, mythology and local economies intertwine.

The work balances scholarly detail with accessible storytelling, offering readers a clear sense of each caste’s place in village life and regional history. Anecdotes about village officials, their proverbs and the occasional peril they face bring a human touch to what might otherwise be a dry taxonomy. For anyone curious about the complex tapestry of South Indian society, this guide serves as both a reference and a vivid portrait of living traditions.