Indian Anthropology: Anthropological Discourse in Bombay, 1886–1936

Description

Indian Anthropology: Anthropological Discourse in Bombay 1886–1936 is an important contribution to the history of Indian anthropology, focusing on its formative period. It looks at the political economy of knowledge production and the anthropological discourse in Bombay during the late nineteenth century. This seminal volume highlights the much forgotten and ignored contribution of the Bombay Presidency anthropologists, many of whom were Indians, from different backgrounds, such as lawyers, civil servants, and men of religion, much before professional anthropology was taught in India. The other contributions are by pioneers from Bengal, Punjab, and United Provinces ― all British administrators turned scholars. This volume is divided into three parts: Part I deals with the six contributions on the history of the development of anthropology in India; Part II deals with four contributions on the methodology and collecting ethnographic data; and Part III deals with four contributions on theoretical analysis of ethnographic facts. The roots of many contemporary conflicts and social issues can be traced to this formative period of anthropology in India. This book will be useful to students and researchers of anthropology, sociology, public administration, modern history, and demography. It will also be of interest to civil servants, students of history, Indian culture and society, religions, colonial history, law, and South Asia studies. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Contents Tables Contributors Preface Glossary Introduction I II : History of the development of anthropology in India : Methodology and collecting ethnographical data : Theoretical analysis of ethnographic facts Some observations References Inauguration of the Anthropological Society of Bombay, 1886: A vision for anthropology in India Notes Part I: History of the development of anthropology in India 1. Anthropology in India I II Sub-castes (endogamous) Sections (exogamous) III BAGDI, Bagtit IV V Note 2. Progress of the study of Indian anthropology in Europe, and cognate matters Note 3. Development or evolution of anthropology in India Notes 4. Study of anthropology in India I II III IV V VI VII VIII Notes 5. The study of anthropology in the West Introduction Evolutionary School The Diffusionist School The Functional School Anthropology, Sociology, and Changing Man Notes 6. The retrospect and the prospect of the work of the Anthropological Society of Bombay Our past work and its appreciation The representation of the Royal Anthropological Institute of England Our Society's past work in cultural anthropology Some subjects requiring further work and inquiry Importance of an early collection of materials Prof. Frazer, the great Collector-general of anthropological materials The question of superstitions, suggested by Sir James Frazer's works Anthropology and the Indian classics The study of mythology The great Aryan question Philology and the two great divisions of the Aryan race, the Hindus, and the Iranians Setting customs and beliefs in their proper position and light Nations and races: Indian nation The question of the Indian nation and the want of history in Indian literature Intermixture of races Questions of Man's handicrafts, food, dress, habitation, and others Notes Part II: Methodology and collecting ethnographic data 7. Importance of collecting facts (Presidential Address) Notes 8. Collecting diverse social and cultural facts Notes 9. The study of ethnography in the Bombay Presidency Notes 10. The Ethnographical Survey of India Tribes and castes volumes Anthropometrical observations Totemism Notes Part III: Theoretical analysis of ethnographic facts 11. Totem theories Notes 12. Is the retention of the term 'Animism' as a main religion head in our census tables justified? Extract from draft of census report The Bhils - are they Hindus or Animists? Notes 13. The superstition of concealing one's proper age as shown by the Indian Census Statistics . Statistical . Anthropological Causes of the hopeless inexactitude 1 Ignorance 2 Deliberate mis-statement (a) Out of superstition Aversion against calculation or number Old Jewish objection against counting the number of population or against census Counting the people among the Romans The reason for concealment Evil eye (b) Concealment through vanity (c) Concealment of age for self-interest: Case of Widowers Notes 14. Interpreting a Government House Reception from a cultural anthropology perspective 1 Reception or Levée 2 The musical band 3 The Governor entering in procession with his staff 4 Presentation of arms to the Governor 5 The Governor passing over a special passage covered with red cloth or carpet 6 Presentation of guests (a) The shake of hands (b) Dress (c) Marks on foreheads (d) Salutations Notes Author Index Subject Index