A Guide to the Dr. Henry H. Presler Archives 1949-1989
A Collection in
The Special Collections Department
Accession number 11208
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Special Collections Department, University of Virginia Library
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USA
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Funding: Web version of the finding aid funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Processed by: Special Collections Department
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
The collection is without restrictions.
Use Restrictions
See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.
Preferred Citation
Henry H. Presler, Papers, 1949-1989, Accession #11208, Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.
Acquisition Information
The Dr. Henry H. Presler Archives were given to the University of Virginia Library by Marion C.A. Presler, Fargo, North Dakota, on October 18, 1995, and are unrestricted.
Scope and Content Information
This collection consists of research materials, 1949-1989, ca. 350 items (53 Hollinger boxes and ca. 170 oversize items, ca. 40 linear shelf feet) including bound volumes, picture albums, maps and binders of computer print-outs, pertaining to basic case studies of ca. 4,010 religious institutions in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India and its immediate environs, conducted by Dr. Henry Hughes Presler, Fargo, North Dakota, and his associates. Dr. Presler received his education at the North Dakota State University (B.S.), the Boston University School of Theology (B.D.), and the University of Chicago (Ph.D.).
The case studies were based on field work observations made since India's independence in the region of Jabalpur, in central India, a valley three miles wide and seven miles long, with the west end opening upon the Narmada River, one of India's seven sacred rivers. Dr. Presler, director of the Department of Organized Research (D.O.R.) supervised about 100 field workers, seven typists, and about 200 student helpers in this endeavor from 1949-1972. Each field worker attempted to describe and explain the religious institutions and practices in his own section. The case studies include much information valuable to the historian of Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, and Tribal religions in India.
The type of information included in each individual case study may include: "Geographical location, natural area, religion, sect, dimensions of structures, name of institution, functionaries, functions, income, daily rituals, festivals, constituency (single caste, mixed castes, social status, economic grade, formal education, language), management special week days, whether dead, deserted, or living property ownership, endowment if any, religious experiences (apparitions, ecstasy, cures, etc.), images (human form, animal form, stones), signs (colors, slogans, symbols, ornaments, astral, geological formations), sacred trees and shrubs, ritual accouterments (books, sounds, smokes, etc.), magic, evil eye, legends, myths, testimonies, stories, history, plus whatever respondents wanted to tell about their religion."
Dr. Presler organized and analyzed his data in ways most useful to quantitative sociologists of religion. In his research, Presler employed statistical analysis and emergent computer technology that has since become somewhat obsolete. A bound volume called by Presler the Key Book (found in Box 1 with his other guides to the collection), 762 pages, contains codes referring to locations on [computer] cards and electronic computer tapes and cassettes. To use the Key Book and the computer print-outs, the researcher should read Presler's pamphlet "Catalogue of Mid-India Field Research (gray binder), especially pages 10-22, which explain the contents of the binders of computer print-outs. In order for researchers to use this collection, they should consult Presler's own guides to this material located in Box 1 and should be allowed to keep Box 1 with them in the Reading Room while using other boxes from the collection.
Organization
The Archives follow the original arrangement by Presler
into seven series:
I) Serially bound case studies, Department of Organized
Research (D.O.R.) Reports (Boxes 1A-14);
II) Geographically arranged case studies D.O.R. Reports
(Boxes 14-31);
III) Serially arranged picture albums D.O.R. Reports
(Boxes 31-41);
IV) Bound Ward Summaries (Boxes 42-47);
V) Bound Coding Minutes (Boxes 48-52);
VI) Oversize computer print-outs and maps; and
VII) Oversize volumes of the Kanpur Analyses.
Contents List
- Box 1
Key Book and other guides produced by Presler for researchers using this collection 1968, 199510 items
Reading Room staff, please allow researchers to keep Box 1 for reference in the Reading Room as part of the guide and not a box of the collection.
- Box 1-A
D.O.R. Reports 1-599 1949-19723 volumes
- Box 2
D.O.R. Reports 600-999 1949-19724 volumes
- Box 3
D.O.R. Reports 1000-1399 1949-19724 volumes
- Box 4
D.O.R. Reports 1400-1599 and 1700-1799 1949-19723 volumes
No sixteen hundreds exist
- Box 5
D.O.R. Reports 1800-2099 1949-19723 volumes
- Box 6
D.O.R. Reports 2100-2399 1949-19723 volumes
- Box 7
D.O.R. Reports 2400-2599 1949-19722 volumes
- Box 8
D.O.R. Reports 2600-2799 1949-19723 volumes
- Box 9
D.O.R. Reports 2800-2983 1949-19723 volumes
No three thousands exist in these volumes
- Box 10
D.O.R. Reports 4000-4149 1949-19723 volumes
- Box 11
D.O.R. Reports 4150-4299 1949-19723 volumes
- Box 12
D.O.R. Reports 4300-4450 1949-19723 volumes
- Box 13
D.O.R. Reports 4451-4599 1949-197213 volumes
- Box 14
D.O.R. Reports 4600-4649 1949-19721 volume
Numbers 5000-5100 exist only on tape
- Box 14-29
Inside the Municipality 1949-1972
- Box 14
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 1 Garha--Imarti Tank Section & South Triangle Section 1949-19722 volumes
- Box 15
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 1 Garha--Surjala Tank, Phulai Tank & North Triangle Sections 1949-19723 volumes
- Box 16
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 1 Garha--Southeast Section 1949-19722 volumes
- Box 16
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 2 Kachhipura--Northwest Section 1949-19721 volumes
- Box 17
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 2 Kachhipura--Northeast, Southwest & South Middle Sections 1949-19723 volumes
- Box 18
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 2 Kachhipura--Southeast Section 1949-19721 volume
- Box 18
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 3 West Niwarganj--North & South Sections 1949-19722 volumes
- Box 19
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 4 East Niwarganj--Book 1 & Two 1949-19722 volumes
- Box 19
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 5 Cherital 1949-19721 volume
- Box 20
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 6 Upreganj--Book One & Two 1949-19722 volumes
- Box 20
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 7 South Miloniganj 1949-19721 volume
- Box 21
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 8 North Miloniganj 1949-19721 volumes
- Box 21
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 9 Gohalpur--Book One & Two 1949-19722 volumes
- Box 22
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 10 Motinala 1949-19721 volume
- Box 22
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 11 Kotwali 1949-19721 volume
- Box 22
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 12 Hanumantal 1949-19721 volume
- Box 22
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 13 Sarafa 1949-19721 volume
- Box 23
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 14 Lord Ganj 1949-19721 volume
- Box 23
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 15 Wright Town 1949-19721 volume
- Box 23
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 16 Marhatal 1949-19721 volume
- Box 24
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 17 Omti 1949-19721 volume
- Box 24
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 18 Bhartipur 1949-19721 volume
- Box 24
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 19 Galgalia 1949-19721 volume
- Box 25
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 20 Belbagh 1949-19722 volumes
- Box 25
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 21 Bhantaliaya 1949-19721 volume
- Box 26
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 22 West Kariapathar 1949-19721 volume
- Box 26
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 23 East Kariapathar 1949-19721 volume
- Box 26
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 24 West Ghamapur 1949-19721 volume
- Box 26
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 25 East Ghamapur 1949-19721 volume
- Box 27
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 26 North Civil Station 1949-19721 volume
- Box 27
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 27 South Civil Station 1949-19721 volume
- Box 27
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 28 Napier Town 1949-19721 volume
- Box 27
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 29 Gorakhpur 1949-19722 volumes
- Box
28-29
D.O.R. Reports: Ward 30 Madan Mahal 1949-19724 volumes
- Box 14
- Box 29-31
Outside the Municipality 1949-1972
- Box 29
D.O.R. Reports: North of Kundam Road, Book One, Gokupur 1949-19721 volume
- Box 29
D.O.R. Reports: North of Kundam Road, Book Two, Khamaria Housing 1949-19721 volume
- Box 30
D.O.R. Reports: South of Kundam Road, GCF Estate 1949-19721 volume
- Box 30
D.O.R. Reports: Kanchanpura Area 1949-19721 volume
- Box 30
D.O.R. Reports: Saddar Area 1949-19721 volume
- Box 31
D.O.R. Reports: Cantonment Area 1949-19721 volume
- Box 31
D.O.R. Reports: Dectal, Kolatal, Pisanhari, and Mahapuri 1949-19721 volume
- Box 29
- Box 31
Albums re D.O.R. Reports 1-199 1949-19722 volumes
- Box 32
Albums re D.O.R. Reports 200-699 1949-19725 volumes
- Box 33
Albums re D.O.R. Reports 700-1099 1949-19724 volumes
- Box 34
Albums re D.O.R. Reports 1100-1499 1949-19724 volumes
- Box 35
Albums re D.O.R. Reports 1500-2099 1949-19725 volumes
No sixteen hundreds exits
- Box 37
Albums re D.O.R. Reports 2500-2799 1949-19723 volumes
- Box 38
Albums re D.O.R. Reports 2800-2893, 4000-4099 1949-19723 volumes
No three thousands exist in these albums
- Box 39
Albums re D.O.R. Reports 4100-4399 1949-19723 volumes
- Box 40
Albums re D.O.R. Reports 4400-4599 1949-19722 volumes
- Box 40
General Album I 1949-19721 volume
- Box 41
General Album II 1949-19721 volume
- Box 41
General Album III 1949-19721 volume
- Box 41
Unknown or Unidentified Pictures 1949-19721 volume
- Box 42
I. East of Corporation 1949-19721 volume
- Box 42
I.A 39 Deserted Villages 1949-19721 volume
- Box 42
II.A North Central Wards 22, 23, 24, 25 1949-19721 volume
- Box 43
II.B Northern and Northwest Ward 8 & 9 and Kanchanpura 1949-19721 volume
- Box 43
II.C Central Wards 7, 10, 21 1949-19721 volume
- Box 43
II.C Central Wards 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20 1949-19721 volume
- Box 44
II.D & E Outer Wards 3-5, 15 & 16, 23, 26-28 1949-19721 volume
- Box 44
II. Misecllanesous Wards, parts of 3, 4, 6, 9, 11-15, 18-20, 29, and more on Kanchanpura 1949-19721 volume
- Box 44
II.F Ward One 1949-19721 volume
- Box 45
II.F Ward Two and Supplements 1949-19723 volumes
- Box 46
II.F Ward 30 1949-19721 volume
- Box 46
II.F Ward 30 Supplements, Ward 29, and Saddar 1949-19721 volume
- Box 46
The Gonds 1949-19721 volume
- Box 47
Jabalpur History 1949-19721 volume
- Box 47
Mid-India 1949-19721 volume
- Box 48
Coding Minutes, Volumes A-C ca. 1957-19613 volumes
- Box 49
Coding Minutes, Volumes D-G ca. 1958-19654 volumes
- Box 50
Coding Minutes, Volumes H-J ca. 1961-19683 volumes
- Box 51
Coding Minutes, Volumes K-M ca. 1961-19813 volumes
- Box 51
Coding Minutes, Volume Q ca. 1961-1971
- Box 52
Coding Minutes, Volumes N-P ca. 1961-19723 volumes
A dissertation offered for a degree to Yale University, Department of Religion or Anthropology. Estimated to have been written around 1938-1940. xvi, 309 pages, illustrated with black and white photos, biblio, chart in pocket at back. The following is handwritten in ink on the inside cover: "Donated to the University of Virginia in memory of Herman M. Reynolds and Mildred Prichett Reynolds by their children Joyce Reynolds Coupal, Virginia M. Reynolds Nolan, Dr. Roger P. Reynolds. They were missionaries to India 1927-1959"
- Folder 1
Four printed maps of Jabalpur, India, used by Dr. Henry H. Presler 1947-1948Physical Location: OS Tray #60
- Folder 2
Ward maps on tracing paper for Jabalpur, India, including Wards 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26; the evacuated village of Manegaon; Vetla village; and cultural, land use & housing maps of Kanchanpura (41 sheets) and one large negative of Ward 27 1949-1954Physical Location: OS Tray #40
- Folder 3
Ward maps on tracing paper for Jabalpur, India, including Wards 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30; Sada; Karmata village; and a large map entitled "Jubbulpore Cantonment" (24 sheets) 1935-1936, 1949-1954Physical Location: OS Tray #40
- Folder 4
Negatives of the Ward Maps for Jabalpur, India (18 negative sheets) 1948-1952Physical Location: OS Tray #53
- Oversize Computer Print-out Bound Volumes 1971-1989
Binder numbers refer to those numbers assigned by Presler to the computer print-out and written on the cover; for Presler's description see his gray pamphlet "Catalogue of Mid-India Field Research" pages 10-22.
-
Binder #100 1979-1980Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
relates the kind of priest to the functions he performs using Discriminant Analysis
-
Binder #101 1980-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
discovers how the divinities cluster in small complexes using Factor Analysis
-
Binder #102 1980-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
Analysis of Variance re the relationship of socio-economic status to divinities and rituals
-
Binder #200 1980-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
Arrays of specific date on tribes, caste mohullas, divinities, etc. with percentages
-
Binder #201 1980-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
Arrays of Means or Averages on social status, economic grades, and education by divinities
-
Binder #300 1980-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
measures association of functionaries and their functions
-
Binder #301 1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
explores questions related to cooperation vs. conflict between divinities, functionaries and laymen, and castes
-
Binder #400 1980-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
shows the divinities of all religions in the reports, labelled by each institution, with summaries
-
Binder #401 1980-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
for Signs only
-
Binder #402 1980-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
for Major and Minor Geographical Sections
-
Binder #403 1980-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
for Caste Mohullas
-
Binder #404 1980-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
for Natural Areas
-
Binder #405 1977-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
re Indices for Hindu D.O.R.'s Serialized
-
Binder #406 1980-1982Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
re Indices for private, semi-private & public Hindu sites
-
Binder #407 1980-1982Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
re Indices for all other religions than Hinduism, each separately
-
Binder #408 1980-1982Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
Symbols Program for all 3596 Hindu D.O.R.'s, unrestricted
-
Binder #409 1981-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
Project XII pertaining to 4631 functionaries, 37 kinds, all religions
-
Binder #410 1981-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
Indices Program applies to gerographical sections (by ward)
-
Binder #411 1982-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
Symbols Program applied to geographical sections (by ward)
-
Binder #412 1974-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
contains copies of the many programs used on computer, itemwise
-
Binder #500 1980-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
examines functionaries using 3 approaches--Indices, Symbols & Labels
-
Binder #501 1980-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
examines Clean Shudras & their institutions using 3 approaches--Indices, Symbols & Labels
-
Binder #502 1981-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
examines Unclean Shudras & their institutions using 3 approaches--Indices, Symbols & Labels
-
Binder #503 1980-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
examines Scheduled Castes (Untouchables and Pariahs) & Tribals using 3 approaches--Indices, Symbols & Labels
-
Binder #600 1979-1982Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
applies Indices program to each dimensional class (15 types) of worship buildings
-
Binder #601 1980-1982Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
applies the Symbols program to each dimensional class of worship buildings
-
Binder #700 1978-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
Likelihood index for analysis of divinities' symbols
-
Binder #701 1976-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
applies comparison programs to specific divinities by site and caste
-
Binder #702 1976-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
five comparisons of divinities in Project XII
-
Binder #703 1979-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
shows which functionaries serve which divinities who are ranked according to spiritual hierarchy and actual usage hierarchy
-
Binder #704 1975-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
Presdata Tape Output
-
Binder #705 1979-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
re the goddess Khermai
-
Binder #706A 1975-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
applies Indices program to about three dozen divinities, kinds of religious experience, and forms of magic
-
Binder #706B 1981-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
applies Symbols program to five different divinities
-
Binder #900 1976-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
Individual Functions of functionaries
-
Binder #901 1976-1982Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
relates functionary to chains of sits he serves, etc.
-
Binder #902 1977-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
shows how many kinds of functionaries normally perform this function
-
Binder #1000 1979-1980Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
answers question "What kind of functionary do the various castes employ?"
-
Binder #1002 1978-1980Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
answers question "What does a particular functionary do for a particular caste?"
-
Binder #1003 1979-1980Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
answers question "What does a kind of fucntionary regard as proper and traditional functions for him to perform?"
-
Binder #1005 1975-1980Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
uses Project XV only
-
Binder #1007 1980Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
answers question "What kind of clients invite what kind of functionary to perform for them at the client's site or sacristy?"
-
Binder #1008 1976-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
answers question "What characteristics distinguish religious institutions with which professional functionaries are connected?"
-
Binder #1009 1980-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
a comparison program to show what each gropu is supposed to do as religious operatives
-
Binder #1010A 1982-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
roles played by functionaries
-
Binder #1010B 1983-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
roles played by functionaries continued
-
Binder #1011 1980-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
Symbols program run for sites with professionals only
-
Binder #1012 1980-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
Symbols Program run for sites with professionals only
-
Binder #1013.1 1980-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
explores what each functionary does at private, semi-private & public D.O.R. sites
-
Binder #1013.2 1980-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
applies the Indices program to the groups in Binder #1012 for comparison
-
Binder #1014A 1979-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
applies the Indices program and the Labels-Sums-9 Comparison program to D.O.R. sites as noted in Presler's catalogue
-
Binder #1014B 1981-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
Indices, Symbols, Labels-Sums Comparisons for Functionary 1, divinity 1, and caste 1 per site
-
Binder #1100 1980-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
explains how Presler recorded the Indices program, Symbols program, & Labels-Sums-10 Comparison program on computer tapes
-
Binder #1101 1974-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
records how Presler used Statistical Analysis System on some data
-
Binder #1102A 1985-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
Documentation for PRES 10 & 11
-
Binder #1103 1979-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
Library Listings
-
Binder #1104 1977-1978Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
explains the logic and procedures for creating the D.O.R. library of data inputs on tape
-
Binder #1105 1975-1976Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
listing of all Fortran and PL 1 programs used to prepare Presdata file of D.O.R. data
-
Binder #1200 1973-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
applies the Labels-Sums program to D.O.R. sites with 2-15 divinities per site
-
Binder #1201 1978-1981Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
relates functionaries to their clienteles by traits of the latter
-
Binder #1300 1982-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
answers various questions re dimensional classes of sacristies using Jabalpur Valley data
-
Binder #1400A 1971-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
copies of the computer programs written by Presler, listed topically and chronologically
-
Binder #1400B 1974-1989Physical Location: 1M Carrel L, MBound volume
copies of the computer programs written by Presler, listed topically and chronologically (continued)
-