Caste and Kinship in Central India

Caste and Kinship in Central India: A Village and Its Region offers an in-depth exploration of the intricate social dynamics within a multi-caste village and its surrounding region. The book delves into the pivotal role of caste as the foundational axis of political, economic, and kinship structures in Indian village life. It meticulously unpacks the layered relationships between caste, subcaste, and kinship, emphasizing the local and regional frameworks within which these social units operate. The analysis reveals three levels of caste membership—the kindred of cooperation, kindred of recognition, and broader subcaste—all of which influence individuals' social roles and interactions. Through this nuanced lens, the study sheds light on the mechanisms of social control, marriage alliances, and group interactions, providing a comprehensive account of how caste functions both within and beyond the village boundaries.

This scholarly work also addresses the broader implications of caste in regional and inter-village contexts, challenging the conventional notion of the village as a self-contained entity. By distinguishing between intra-caste (subcaste-based) and inter-caste dynamics, the book highlights how individuals navigate their dual identities as members of both caste and subcaste, influenced by patrilineal and exogamous practices. The study’s innovative approach bridges local and regional analyses, offering a fresh perspective on caste systems as both static and adaptive entities within India's socio-cultural landscape. This book is an essential resource for scholars of anthropology, sociology, and South Asian studies seeking a deeper understanding of caste’s multifaceted role in shaping community life.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1960.