This book discusses in a nutshell the origin and development of the caste system in India with special reference to TamilNadu. It elaborates the caste system followed in Tamilnadu along with their customs and traditions. It gives an interpretation of the role of various caste societies along with their merits and drawbacks.
Prof. Pillay's research into the history and the numerous distinctions and trivialities of the Tamil caste system is well laid out and informative. The negative of the book is that it tends to go around in circles and Prof. Pillay has a tendency to keep repeating things he had already stated.
I enjoyed the book and learned much about a system that I grew around but never was ever exposed to. So this introduction to what Tamil caste is was an eye opener.
A synopsis for the prevailing caste system in tamilnadu..A remark from this book is "Lord Curzon is said to have made the shrewd remark that what India needs is a new grandmother"