Robber Noblemen

<p>First published in 1975 <i>Robber Noblemen </i>represents a break with traditional anthropological studies within the Indian subcontinent in the breadth of its coverage. A whole state the Punjab is discussed with special reference to the social and political organization of its landowning Sikhs: the Jats. Joyce Pettigrew demonstrates that although the Punjab is included within the formal political framework of the Indian Union it is nevertheless more closely allied to countries on its western border by virtual of its social structure and value system. The caste system does not exist among the Sikhs. Values sustaining patterns of social and political action are not those pertaining to ritual purity and pollution but are those concerned with the extended family unit: honour reputation insult. The author shows how long-standing collaborative relationships between families compete with other similarly formed alliances or 'factions' for power and influence. This book will be of interest to students of anthropology history political science and South Asian studies.</p>