How and why did the caste system emerge in South Asia? Why do contemporary anthropologists and Indologists experience so much difficulty with this problem? Morton Klass addresses both these questions in this book, and the result is an intellectual adventure story, an essay in ethhistorical deduction and reconstruction. Klass begins by examining the assumptions underlying the older explanations of the origin of caste, tracing their roots in dubious history, ethcentrism, and outmoded theory. Then, using contemporary anthropological writings on ecology, ecomy, social structure, and cultural evolution, he develops a scenario in which caste emerges as a transformation of an earlier clan structure that until w has been considered an evolutionary dead end. His radically new explanation is the result of a pioneering effort in theoretical synthesis. By employing the tools of what he calls 'eclectic anthropology' -- an approach frequently attacked by proponents of more rigid and exclusionary strategies -- he brings together elements from the seemingly unconnectable approaches of such major theorists as Claude Levi-Strauss. Marvin Harris, and Karl Polanyi. Caste offers a challenge to scholars to free themselves of their theoretical fetters, to open themselves to ideas from all corners of their discipline.
Product Identifiers
Publisher
Manohar Publishers and Distributors
ISBN-10
8173042594
ISBN-13
9788173042591
eBay Product ID (ePID)
103725346
Product Key Features
Author
Morton Klass
Format
Paperback
Language
English
Subject
Sociology & Anthropology: Professional
Type
Textbook
Additional Product Features
Place of Publication
New Delhi
Date of Publication
01/11/1998
Country of Publication
India
Best Selling in Adult Learning & University
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Adult Learning & University