Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 1 of 7
Mar 2020 · Otbebookpublishing
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About this ebook
Excerpt: "'In 1894, equipped with a set of anthropometric instruments obtained on loan from the Asiatic Society of Bengal, I commenced an investigation of the tribes of the Nīlgiri hills, the Todas, Kotas, and Badagas, bringing down on myself the unofficial criticism that "anthropological research at high altitudes is eminently indicated when the thermometer registers 100° in Madras." From this modest beginning have resulted:—(1) investigation of various classes which inhabit the city of Madras; (2) periodical tours to various parts of the Madras Presidency, with a view to the study of the more important tribes and classes; (3) the publication of Bulletins, wherein the results of my work are embodied; (4) the establishment of an anthropological laboratory; (5) a collection of photographs of Native types; (6) a series of lantern slides for lecture purposes; (7) a collection of phonograph records of tribal songs and music."
About the author
Edgar Thurston (1855-1935) was a pioneering British ethnographer and superintendent of the Madras Government Museum in India. His work primarily focused on the diverse social structures and cultural practices of Southern India, making him a significant figure in the field of anthropology. Thurston's meticulous documentation and analysis of various communities provided an unprecedented glimpse into the intricate tapestry of Indian society during the British colonial period.Born in Kent, England, Thurston was educated at King's College London and later trained in medicine, which piqued his interest in human biology and ethnography. His career took a transformative turn when he was appointed to the Madras Museum in 1885, where he spent over two decades. His tenure was marked by extensive fieldwork, during which he employed both scientific rigor and a deep respect for the cultures he studied.Thurston's work was not without controversy. His ethnographic methods and the colonial context in which he operated have been critiqued for perpetuating stereotypes and reinforcing colonial power dynamics. However, his detailed observations have also been invaluable to later scholars and writers, offering a foundational understanding of South Indian ethnography.Influencing contemporary writers and anthropologists, Thurston championed the idea that understanding cultural diversity was crucial for a more comprehensive grasp of human civilization. His legacy is a complex blend of scientific achievement and the contentious ethics of colonial scholarship, making him a fascinating figure for modern readers interested in the intersections of history, culture, and science.
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