ABSTRACT

First published in 1975, Robber Noblemen 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.

part one|12 pages

The environment

chapter 1|10 pages

Introduction

part two|48 pages

Sikh Jats

chapter 2|10 pages

Perspective on community studies

chapter 3|9 pages

Significant events in Jat history

chapter 4|14 pages

Patterns of allegiance I

part three|155 pages

Factionalism

chapter 9|6 pages

The Kairon—Rarewala rivalry

chapter 11|20 pages

Factional participants in the local area

chapter 15|13 pages

Factions in competition

chapter 16|13 pages

Assessment