University Studies 



Vol. XV JANUARY 1915 No. i 



I.— DRAVIDIAN GODS IN MODERN HINDUISM; A 



STUDY OF THE LOCAL AND VILLAGE 



DEITIES OF SOUTHERN INDIA 



BY WILBER THEODORE ELMORE 

 PREFATORY NOTE 



The following thesis is a study of the gods of Dravidian origin 

 which are found in Modern Hinduism. The author has resided 

 in India almost continuously since 1900, associating somewhat 

 closely with the people, and attempting to learn as much as possible 

 about their various customs. During 1909-10, while pursuing 

 studies in the department of political science and sociology of the 

 University of Nebraska, the investigations reported in this thesis 

 were undertaken at the suggestion of Dr. Hutton Webster, of that 

 department. The greater part of the work has been done since the 

 author's return to India in 191 1. 



The author wishes to express his gratitude to the many friends 

 whose cooperation has made this work possible. Especial ac- 

 knowledgments are due to Dr. Hutton Webster for reading the 

 manuscript and making invaluable suggestions ; to Mocherla 

 Robert, through whose untiring efforts a considerable portion of 

 the material has been secured ; and to J. A. Curtis, who has read 

 the manuscript and who, from his accurate knowledge of the 

 Indian people, has rendered great assistance in verifying and in- 

 terpreting the customs described. 



W. T. E. 



Ramapatnam, India. 

 November, 1913. 



