Author Description

This work is an anthology of 540 distinct tribal myths of origin from central India. These myths were all recorded, most for the very first time, in the course of field work. "Man and the Universe," "The Natural World," "Human Life," and "Human Institutions," are the subject divisions for the myths and include such chapters on air and water, mammals, food, disease, and custom and taboo. Each myth is preceded by the related tribe's name and where it was recorded. In the introduction to each chapter, which analyzes the relevant category of myths and assigns origin, other myths from the region and from other parts of India are noted and parallels drawn. Rich in detail, this volume will be essential to scholars and general readers alike.