The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust Established in 1932 by Sir Dorabji Tata
The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust Established in 1932 by Sir Dorabji Tata
Publications supported by the Trust
Vagri Material Culture A Resource book for the Vagri Community by S. Bhakthavatsala Bharathi in collaboration with Puduvai Ilavenil
Photographs G. Srinivasa Varma Vagri texts L. Raja Vagri Associate L. Manickam Vagri Associate
From the Community Digital Archives of Narikuravar
ISBN 978-93-80431-02-4
Published by National Folklore Support Centre, Chennai
As a part of the ongoing community digital archiving process, we documented Vagri material culture intensively across a wide region, covering eight districts in Tamilnadu. Material culture is the generic term that includes all kinds of tangible things used by the Vagri. Their material culture forms an excellent base for learning the language and understanding the cultural concepts (lit.: Vagri heathenism). Further, a realm of communication and symbolism through tangible artifacts is achieved in every sensory existence. Vagri material culture, though the inventory is rather small, is largely functional, utilitarian, adaptable, innovative and flexible. Vagri interact with modernising, development paradigms, decolonisation and nation- building processes, directly or indirectly. Vagri material culture adheres to modernity through acculturation, assimilation, absorption and adoption of many modern inputs. In some spheres they stand between tradition and modernity.
vii + 124 pages, Rs.800 (India) / US $40 (Other countries)
The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust Established in 1932 by Sir Dorabji Tata
Over one hundred students are selected every year as J N Tata Scholars from all over India. They have included many prominent academics, scientists, economists and scholars in the past such as K R Narayanan the former President of India and Dr Jayant Narlikar, the eminent astro-physicist
As a part of the ongoing community digital archiving process, we documented Vagri material culture intensively across a wide region, covering eight districts in Tamilnadu. Material culture is the generic term that includes all kinds of tangible things used by the Vagri. Their material culture forms an excellent base for learning the language and understanding the cultural concepts (lit.: Vagri heathenism). Further, a realm of communication and symbolism through tangible artifacts is achieved in every sensory existence. Vagri material culture, though the inventory is rather small, is largely functional, utilitarian, adaptable, innovative and flexible. Vagri interact with modernising, development paradigms, decolonisation and nation- building processes, directly or indirectly. Vagri material culture adheres to modernity through acculturation, assimilation, absorption and adoption of many modern inputs. In some spheres they stand between tradition and modernity. 
