Question

Give an account of genealogies collected by Colin Mackenzie.

Answer 1

1. Caste groups often petitioned the local ruler for permission to use various symbols of higher status, like the right to wear footwear, the right to carry umbrellas, the right to use certain decorations at funerals, and so on.
2. Each caste also created a mythical genealogy to establish its origins; this was used to justify the claim for the right to a higher status in the hierarchy.
3. These genealogies are found in many of the manuscripts collected by Colin Mackenzie.