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.) of Leonard Theological College, 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); and V) Bound Coding Minutes (Boxes 48-52); VI) Oversize computer print-outs and maps; and VII) Oversize volumes of the Kanpur Analyses

PROVENANCE

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.

Back to the top.

BOX 14 (CONT.)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 1 (Garha) - Imarti Tank Section & South Triangle Section (2 volumes)
BOX 15
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 1 Garha - Surjala Tank, Phulai Tank & North Triangle Sections (3 volumes)
BOX 16
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 1 Garha - Southeast Section (2 volumes)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 2 Kachhipura - Northwest Section (1 volume)
BOX 17
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 2 Kachhipura - Northeast, Southwest & South Middle Sections (3 volumes)
BOX 18
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 2 Kachhipura - Southeast Section
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 3 West Niwarganj - North & South Sections (2 volumes)
BOX 19
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 4 East Niwarganj - Book One & Two (2 volumes)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 5 Cherital (1 volume)
BOX 20
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 6 Uprenganj - Book One & Two (2 volumes)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 7 South Miloniganj (1 volume)
BOX 21
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 8 North Miloniganj (1 volume)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 9 Gohalpur - Book One & Two (2 volumes)
BOX 22
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 10 Motinala (1 volume)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 11 Kotwali (1 volume)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 12 Hanumantal (1 volume)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 13 Sarafa (1 volume)
BOX 23
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 14 Lord Ganj (1 volume)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 15 Wright Town (1 volume)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 16 Marhatal (1 volume)
BOX 24
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 17 Omti (1 volume)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 18 Bhartipur (1 volume)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 19 Galgalia (1 volume)
BOX 25
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 20 Belbagh (2 volumes)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 21 Bhantaliaya (1 volume)
BOX 26
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 22 West Kariapathar (1 volume)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 23 East Kariapathar (1 volume)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 24 West Ghamapur (1 volume)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 25 East Ghamapur (1 volume)
BOX 27
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 26 North Civil Station (1 volume)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 27 South Civil Station (1 volume)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 28 Napier Town (1 volume)
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 29 Gorakhpur (2 volumes)
BOX 28
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 30 Madan Mahal (3 volumes)
BOX 29
1949-1972	D.O.R. Reports: Ward 30 Madan Mahal (1 volume)

OVERSIZE COMPUTER PRINT-OUT BOUND VOLUMES (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)