Author
William Crooke
1848-1923
William Crooke (1848-1923) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by William Crooke
The Popular Religion and Folk-Lore of Northern India, Vol. 2 (of 2)
"The Popular Religion and Folk-Lore of Northern India, Vol. 2" by W. Crooke is an academic and anthropological study written in the late 19th century. This work delves into various aspects of folk beliefs, superstitions, and practices prevalent in Northern India, exploring their cultural and religious significances. The topics covered include notions of the Evil Eye, various forms of worship, and protective customs that people observe to avoid misfortunes and demonic influences. The opening of the book begins by discussing the widespread belief in the Evil Eye and its connections to various superstitions in Northern India. Crooke highlights the complexities surrounding this belief, including protective symbols and practices employed by villagers, as well as the psychological roots of envy that contribute to these rituals. He provides detailed examples of protective measures against the Evil Eye, ranging from the adornment of children with lampblack to the use of specific names for newborns aimed at warding off bad luck. This portion sets the tone for a comprehensive investigation of local folk traditions, demonstrating how deeply ingrained these beliefs are in the social fabric of the region.
The Popular Religion and Folk-Lore of Northern India, Vol. 1 (of 2)
"The Popular Religion and Folk-Lore of Northern India, Vol. 1 (of 2)" by W. Crooke is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work aims to explore the rich tapestry of popular beliefs and practices within the rural communities of Northern India, diverging from the more established and official doctrines of Hinduism. Crooke addresses the importance of understanding these folk traditions and how they contribute to a broader comprehension of Hindu religious beliefs, especially as they risk becoming absorbed into more formalized religious structures. The opening of the book sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the various godlings associated with nature, outlining the fundamental aspects of popular Hinduism that are often overlooked. In this introduction, Crooke reflects on the syncretic nature of Hindu worship, highlighting how ancient practices have evolved over time and integrated influences from various tribal and local traditions. He discusses the distinctions between the supreme deities, who are venerated by the higher classes, and the lesser godlings or "devatâ," worshipped by ordinary villagers, illustrating the complexities and layers of belief that characterize the folk religion of Northern India.
The tribes and castes of the North-Western Provinces and Oudh, Volume 1 (of 4)
"The Tribes and Castes of the North-Western Provinces and Oudh, Volume 1" by W. Crooke is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This volume aims to provide a comprehensive survey of the diverse tribes and castes in the North-Western Provinces and Oudh, focusing particularly on their manners, customs, religious practices, and social transformations. The book is a significant contribution to the field of Indian sociology and anthropology, exploring how these social structures have evolved over time. At the start of the volume, the author acknowledges the extensive existing literature on the subject, citing earlier works that have laid the groundwork for his investigations. Crooke discusses the challenges of studying these communities, particularly due to the reticent nature of lower castes and the complexities surrounding social status claims. He emphasizes the changes occurring within caste systems, such as the process of Brāhmanization among various tribes and the merging of castes that impacts their traditional identities. This opening portion sets the stage for a detailed examination of the origins of caste and its implications within Indian society, which will unfold in subsequent chapters.
The Talking Thrush, and Other Tales from India
"The Talking Thrush and Other Tales from India" by William Crooke and W. H. D. Rouse is a collection of retold folk tales likely compiled in the late 19th century. This anthology focuses primarily on animal fables and folklore from India, showcasing various clever characters and moral lessons through their adventures and misadventures. The stories revolve around themes of honesty, trickery, and wisdom, represented by a range of characters including a thrush, a jackal, and a wise old goat. At the beginning of this collection, the opening tale, "The Talking Thrush," introduces readers to a clever thrush who uses her wits to transform cotton into beautiful cloth. As she interacts with honest characters like a cotton-carder, a spinner, and a weaver, the thrush's ambition leads her to seek the approval of the king, ultimately resulting in her downfall due to greed. This narrative sets the tone for the stories that follow, which blend humor with important life lessons, drawing on the rich tapestry of Indian culture and tradition while emphasizing values like honesty and the consequences of one's actions.