An Introduction To Social Anthropology

by D.N. Majumdar

An Introduction To Social Anthropology

271 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2021

Reviews

[A. B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introductory look at anthropology and tribal ways of life, focused on India in particular. There are neatly demarcated chapters on the theoretical overview of the field, social institutions and their application to the tribal context, tribal art, religion, dormitories, gender roles, economy, law and government tribal policy and problems of integration in India. There is also a chapter on the roots and nature of the caste system. Many chapters have a case study of three or more tribes at the end to illustrate the theories discussed.

As published in 1967, the book does not however seem to be an updated look at the field. There are too some regrettably regressive passages, especially with regard to caste. However, the focus on theoretical analyses, and contrasting the ideas of diverse thinkers, make the book, in my opinion, a valuable, readable look at this vibrant and colourful field.