Dravidian gods in modern Hinduism: A study of the local and village deities of southern India

The following thesis is a study of the gods of Dravidian origin which are found in Modern Hinduism. The author has resided in India almost continuously since 1900, associating somewhat closely with the people, and attempting to learn as much as possible about their various customs. During 1909-10, while pursuing studies in the department of political science and sociology of the University of Nebraska, the investigations reported in this thesis were undertaken at the suggestion of Dr. Hutton Webster, of that department. The greater part of the work has been done since the author\u27s return to India in 1911. The author wishes to express his gratitude to the many friends whose coöperation has made this work possible. Especial ac- knowledgments are due to Dr. Hutton Webster for reading the manuscript and making invaluable suggestions; to Mocherla Robert, through whose untiring efforts a considerable portion of the material has been secured; and to J. A. Curtis, who has read the manuscript and who, from his accurate knowledge of the Indian people, has rendered great assistance in verifying and in- terpreting the customs described