Folk Lore Notes. Vol. I—Gujarat

by A. M. T. (Arthur Mason Tippetts) Jackson

"Folk Lore Notes. Vol. I—Gujarat" by A. M. T. Jackson is a collection of folkloric materials compiled in the early 20th century. The book focuses on the beliefs, practices, and rituals of the people in Gujarat, highlighting themes of local deities, nature powers, and various customs that comprise the rich tapestry of Indian folklore. It serves not just as an exploration of rural traditions but as a tribute to the late A. M. T. Jackson, who collected these insights during his lifetime. The opening of this work details the context of its compilation, emphasizing the importance of recording the rapidly changing folk traditions in Western India around the turn of the century. It introduces Jackson's inquiry into the beliefs of local communities through a questionnaire distributed among schoolmasters, aiming to capture the essence of their spiritual and cultural practices. R. E. Enthoven, who undertook the task of publishing these notes posthumously, reflects on the materials' significance, suggesting that they reveal a wealth of knowledge about the worship of spirits, minor deities, and various ceremonial practices that are crucial to understanding the folklore of Gujarat.