Scarcity and Opportunity in an Indian Village

This study reveals the complex and elaborate social and ritual life of the people of Kapileswar, an Indian temple village, and provides a sobering glimpse of the pervasive effects of poverty, natural calamities, and scarce resources in stifling modernization. It also contains an array of statistical data as well as lengthy statements by the villagers themselves about their own lifestyles. Freeman's approach to life in a contemporary Indian village is sensitive, yet admirably objective and precise. He has discovered just the right combination of scientific and humanistic approaches to appeal to a wide range of readers.