Book

Konduru: structure and integration in a South Indian village

University of Minnesota PressMinneapolis • Published In 1971 • Pages:

By: Hiebert, Paul G..

Abstract
This is a comprehensive account of 84 castes in "Konduru" (Amrabad) and surrounding villages situated on a plateau, with some transient and some permanent residents. For the purposes of this study, castes are conceptualized as subcultures, each with specific rights, occupations, deities, names, and unique customs. Other social groups examined include the family, local patrilineage, and entertainment associations such as singing and drama groups that perform at religious festivals for patrons. The symbolic importance of food exchange and pollution in maintaining caste boundaries are also discussed. A rank model of status is put forward, based on caste, and on personal wealth and power. Wealth from land and trade are converted to prestige through acts of generosity. Power is gained by political leaders mediating inter-caste conflict in village councils. The economic system involves land owning castes with their network of castes providing essential goods and services, the system of local administration, and what are termed "high" and "low" religion, magic, and rites of passage.
Subjects
Real property
Status, role, and prestige
Castes
Social relationships and groups
Community heads
Community councils
Ritual
Organized ceremonial
culture
Telugu
HRAF PubDate
2016
Region
Asia
Sub Region
South Asia
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard; 2015
Field Date
1963-1965
Coverage Date
1964-1965
Coverage Place
Amrabad (Amrābād, "Konduru"), Mahbubnagar (Mahbūbnagar) district, Telangana, India
Notes
Paul G. Hiebert
Includes bibliographical references (p. 181-185)
LCCN
75120809
LCSH
Caste--India--Kondūru
Panchayat--India--Kondūru
Kondūru, India--Social conditions