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Book on theories of anthropology brought out in Tamil

Deepa H Ramakrishnan

It throws light on evolution of cultures across the globe

A reader browsing the book in Pondicherry. — Photo: T. Singaravelou

PONDICHERRY: Did you know that the matriarchal system still exists in 18 Tamil-speaking societies? The system, which has been in vogue since the Sangam period, still exists in societies such as the Illathu Pillaimar, Naanjil Naatu Vellalar, Batticoloa Tamils and some Maravar communities and Sonagar.

"This system evolved in the old Chera country, which included Kerala and parts of today's Tamil Nadu, so it came to the Tamil-speaking belt also. Though it was abolished in the 1930s and almost all the aspects have changed over time, the people's descent is through the female line. Other aspects such as residence, inheritance, succession and authority have changed," says S. Bhaktavatsala Bharathi, author of a book titled Maanidaviyal Kotpaadugal (theories in anthropology, the study of mankind).

The book containing 24 chapters is in Tamil and starts with a study of the origin of anthropological thought (Greek philosophy is the basis of all sciences, including this one). It also speaks about the evolution of cultures across the globe, starting from the concept of hunting and gathering food to the present day techno-centric civilisation.

"In Tamil regions, there is a continuity in the different stages of evolution of culture. We have gone through hunting, pastoral nomadism, slash and burn agriculture (cutting down trees on mountain slopes to farm), horticulture, irrigation farming and urban civilisation. In some regions, some stages were absent" he adds.

Cultural diffusion

Along with ortho-genetic evolution (self-learning) the book talks about theories of `cultural diffusion,' where different people learnt from the others. By an extreme diffusionism theory, the British said that Egypt was the cradle of civilisation, but that idea has been proved to be incorrect.

"We brought out the book in Tamil because there are no books in Tamil on the subject," says Makarandhan, who has published the book through Vallinam Publications. This book, useful to students, lecturers and research scholars, is priced at Rs.250 and can be bought at # 9, Y Block, Government Quarters, Lawspet. Ph: 2252936 or 2257151.

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