This book deals with castes which practised female infanticide in west and north India during the 19th and 20th centuries. It shows how female infanticide was closely linked to the social structure of castes such as the Rajputs, Lewa Patidars Kanbis, Jats, Ahirs and Khutris. Further, it shows how female infanticide was related to hypergamy, status gradation within caste and avoidance of substantial dowry payments by parents on daughters weddings, caste ethos, the ...
