Social History of Kerala (Volume II)

THIS Monograph, The Dravidians, is the second of a five-volume sub-series entitled Social History of Kerela in the MONOGRAPHS ON MAN IN INDIA Series which will bring to specialists and amateurs the results of modern anthropological research in India. Important among Kerela’s Dravidian castes are the Nayars, Izhavas, Mukkuvans, Vellalas, and Kammalars. The author deals with their migration to the State, and the problem of spread of culture from Kerela across the seas over the world. A vast field is covered-there is a discussion on how the early peopling of Kerela brought about a superior fraternity, vitality, and cultural growth. A wealth of detail is provided in regard to marriage institutions, inheritance, kinship and social organisation, disposal of the dead, religious customs, etc. Other topics discussed include the riddle of the growth of population, and the impact of modernism on the economic, social, and cultural progress of the State.