Explore the intricate dynamics of social stratification with ‘Caste, Class and Power, Third Edition’ by André Béteille. This seminal Oxford India Perennials study, first published in 1965, offers an intensive analysis of changing patterns in a South Indian village. Discover how modernization influences a traditional society, shifting power away from caste distinctions towards new institutions like panchayats and political parties. Béteille meticulously details the transition where economic factors like land ownership become increasingly disassociated from caste hierarchies. Originally structured by Brahmin, non-Brahmin, and Adi-Dravida divisions, the village experiences a profound transformation. This essential read reveals how some aspects of life become caste-free while others remain deeply embedded. An indispensable addition to your collection at The Bookish Owl for understanding social change.