(Published in 1932 in the History of
Civilization Series)

In the following pages I have made an attempt to give
my views on the history and the origin of the caste-system
as it was in the past and is today among the Hindus of India.
As regards caste in recent and contemporary times, I have
purposely restricted the treatment to the institution as it is
found among the Hindus. Whatever elements of caste happen
to occur among the other communities of India are derivative,
and as such do not serve to illuminate the problem of caste.
While writing about an institution which has been studied
by scholars for over half a century, one receives intellectual
stimulation on its many aspects from various authors. One's
obligations to them are too indirect and indefinite to be men-
tioned in specific references. And when such references are
made, they often do not measure the scope of one's obliga-
tions. In the present book I find myself in this situation with
respect to some writers on the subject of caste, notably J. C.
Nesfield, Professor E. W. Hopkins, E. Senart, Sir H. H. Risley
and Dr. S. V. Ketkar. I have derived great benefit from
their works, for which my sincere thanks are due to them.

Many of my friends have done me the honour of contri-
buting something or other in connection with this work.
Professor A. S. Altekar of Benares has read in manuscript
the third and fourth chapters, and has made some useful
suggestions. Mr. S. R. Deshpande of Bombay has particularly
helped me in reading the proofs and making a few corrections.
Professor D. R. Gadgil of Poona has read the whole manus-
cript, and enabled me to improve it very much by his pene-
trating criticisms. Dr. E. J. Thomas of Cambridge has helped
me to avoid many pitfalls, and to insert the diacritical marks,
so essential for proper pronunciation. To all of them I am
grateful for their ready and generous help.

G. S. GHURYE