The tribes and castes of the North-Western Provinces and Oudh, Volume 1 (of 4)

This volume offers a careful survey of the peoples across the North‑Western Provinces and Oudh in the late 1800s. Using earlier glossaries, gazetteers and field reports, the author creates a comprehensive picture of a region on the brink of change. It serves as a solid reference for those interested in colonial India's social landscape.

Drawing from official district notes, local collaborators and his service in Mirzapur, the writer details everyday customs, marriage rites and religious observances of groups such as the Kols, Kharwars, Cheros and Manjhis. He shows how Brahminical influence and expanding communications are reshaping tribal identities. The account also notes the careful tact needed to earn the trust of communities wary of outsiders.

Listeners will hear vivid descriptions of caste structures, communal festivals and the subtle shifts in belief that marked this period of transition. By highlighting both ancient traditions and the forces of modernity, the book paints a nuanced portrait of a society in flux. It offers an engaging guide to the complex tapestry of North‑Indian social life.