SOCIOLOGY OF NAMES

Foreword

"What's in a name?" asks a famous character in Shakespeare. The answer, as we are increasingly realizing, is "a great deal". Linguistic studies in many parts of the world have shown that names in fact carry a wealth of sociological information, and reveal much more than is visible on the surface.

With our rich linguistic and cultural heritage, a study of Indian names can be a most rewarding exercise. Shri R. K. Koul has undertaken a study of some Indian names with special reference to Kashmir. His work will be of considerable interest, not only to the specialist but also to the general reader.

(Sd) KARAN SINGH
Karan Mahal,
Srinagar 
June 17, 1981