This volume by Forsyth covers the topography indigenous population natural ecology and activities around the Central Highland region i.e. the area from the Deccan plateau to the IndoGangetic plains. The book covers the influx of migrants the impact of Rajput and Mughal rule under Akbar history of aborigine communities such as Kols Bhils Korkes Baigas Gonds etc. It contains the flora and fauna life in Narbada Valley Mahadeo Hills Tapti Higher Narabada Valley and Mahanadi regions. Interestingly the author has provided a vivid description of the customs of native tribes of this region the deities worshipped by the Central Indian tribes marital and other societal customs and the influence of Hinduism particularly Shaivism. Animals such as tigers and elephants which are found in abundance in this region are discussed. This book is highly beneficial to anthropologists and sociologists interested in tribal communities and their lives. About the Author James Forsyth (18381871) was an English traveler and a civil servant of the English East India Company. He was appointed as the settlement officer and deputy commissioner of Nimar in modernday Madhya Pradesh. He first published his book Sporting Rifle and its Projectiles in 1860 which is based on hunting techniques.
