Caste and Capitalism in Colonial India: The Nattukottai Chettiars [Paperback]

David West Rudner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 21, 1994

David Rudner's richly detailed ethnographic and historical analysis of a South Indian merchant-banking caste provides the first comprehensive analysis of the interdependence among Indian business practice, social organization, and religion. Exploring noncapitalist economic formations and the impact of colonial rule on indigenous commercial systems, Rudner argues that caste and commerce are inextricably linked through formal and informal institutions. The practices crucial to the formation and distribution of capital are also a part of this linkage. Rudner challenges the widely held assumptions that all castes are organized either by marriage alliance or status hierarchy and that caste structures are incompatible with the "rational" conduct of business.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David West Rudner is Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Boston University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 370 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press (December 21, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520083504
• ISBN-13: 978-0520083509
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,169,804 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The face of a forgotten part, April 18, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Caste and Capitalism in Colonial India: The Nattukottai Chettiars (Hardcover)

David Rudner had taken pains to write about a system which does'nt normally attract the attention of the outside world but should be. He has dealt with it very excellently, concentrating on the common thread that pass through religion social and business practices. By doing so he has brought to light the case of nattukottai chettiars who have practiced globalisation long time back. His writing gives optimism on the system which at first sight will not look right. He had seen the right side of it. His flow of language is very good. And i hope he continues writing on things which is not noticed by the outside world. A job well done.

2 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Didn't say the cruelty of the caste system, August 23, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Caste and Capitalism in Colonial India: The Nattukottai Chettiars (Paperback)

A reader from CA wrote that this book describes the positive side of the caste sytem. There is no positive side for the evil caste system as there is no positive side for racism. Denying the ugly nature of this sytem is like denying slavery and holocaust and an insult to the agelong sufferings of the untouchables and other non-brahmins in India.