The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India, Volume 2 by R. V. Russell
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This book is not a novel. It's a four-volume official record, and this is part two. In the early 20th century, the British government in India wanted a complete picture of the people they ruled. They sent out questionnaires and officers to compile data on every tribe and caste in the Central Provinces (modern-day Madhya Pradesh and parts of surrounding states). R.V. Russell was the man in charge of turning that mountain of notes into this publication.
The Story
There's no plot in the traditional sense. Instead, the book is organized like an encyclopedia. You look up a community—say, the Gonds or the Telis—and you get a breakdown: how many of them there were, what villages they lived in, what work they did (blacksmith, farmer, weaver), what they believed, and even how they handled weddings and funerals. It's a snapshot, frozen in time around 1910.
Why You Should Read It
Reading it today is a strange experience. The details are incredibly rich—you learn what people farmed, what tools they used, the stories behind their local gods. But you're always aware this was written by a colonial administrator. The tone is often dry and classifying. It makes you think hard about who gets to write history and for what purpose. The real value now is as a primary source, a window into a world that was already changing rapidly.
Final Verdict
This is a specialist's book. It's perfect for historians, anthropologists, or anyone with deep family roots in central India doing genealogy work. For a general reader, it's more of a fascinating reference to dip into for specific topics rather than read cover-to-cover. Think of it as a time capsule, but remember to think critically about the hands that sealed it.
This digital edition is based on a public domain text. It is now common property for all to enjoy.
Michelle Harris
1 year agoPerfect.
Noah White
1 year agoCitation worthy content.
Michael Martin
3 months agoBased on the summary, I decided to read it and the character development leaves a lasting impact. Don't hesitate to start reading.
Mark Garcia
9 months agoEnjoyed every page.
Ava Lee
1 year agoTo be perfectly clear, it creates a vivid world that you simply do not want to leave. Thanks for sharing this review.