The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India, Volume 1

A thorough survey of the peoples who inhabited the Central Provinces of early‑twentieth‑century India, this volume maps out the region’s linguistic and ethnic mosaic in vivid detail. From the Hindi‑speaking valleys of the Nerbudda and the Chhattisgarhi heartland to the Marathi plains, the Telugu pockets and the tribal tongues of the Satpura and Chota Nagpur ranges, the book paints a picture of a land where diverse languages coexist and often blend. Accompanied by period maps, it situates each community within the shifting political borders of the era, giving listeners a clear sense of place.

Compiled as a reference for colonial administrators, the work follows Sir Herbert Risley’s systematic format, offering concise yet comprehensive entries on the customs, occupations, and social structures of each tribe and caste. It also includes brief overviews of the region’s religions and sects, drawing on earlier ethnological studies to fill gaps. Listeners will find a rich, factual portrait of everyday life that brings the historical tapestry of central India into focus.