"Ethnological research must begin with the people, their customs, and their consciousness of self.” — Edgar Thurston Step into the living tapestry of Southern India with this rare and comprehensive anthropological record. Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 6 of 7 continues Edgar Thurston’s monumental work documenting the intricate social systems, rituals, livelihoods, and identities of India’s diverse communities at the turn of the 20th century. Rich in cultural detail and historical depth, this volume presents a vivid portrait of groups whose traditions have shaped—and continue to shape—the region’s identity. From oral history to social structure, from spiritual practice to occupational caste, this is not merely a book of observation, but a preservation of cultural memory. Whether you are a scholar, student, or reader fascinated by the intersection of heritage, ethnicity, and ant