Uncover a transformative view of caste and equality in India with Akio Tanabe’s essential study. This historical anthropology brilliantly examines caste structures and change in Orissa’s diverse communities, linking centuries of transformation to modern Indian society and politics. Discover the crucial role of “ontological equality” in fostering India’s rich diversity and the emergence of vernacular democracy. A must-read for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of Indian sociology, anthropology, and history seeking deep insights into societal evolution. Gain a new understanding of India’s complex social fabric.