A Dissertation on The Proper Names of Punjabiʼs : With Special Reference to the Proper Names of Villagers in the Eastern Punjab

Sir R.C. Temple’s A Dissertation on the Proper Names of Punjabis With Special Reference to the Proper Names of Villagers in the Eastern Punjab is a pioneering study in onomastics and ethnology. It examines the structure, origins, and cultural meanings of Punjabi personal names, especially among rural populations. Temple explores how names reflect caste, religion, occupation, geography, and social status. Drawing on field research and colonial administrative records, the dissertation offers insight into identity formation and local traditions in Eastern Punjab. It remains a significant resource for understanding regional linguistic patterns and the sociocultural fabric of Punjabi village life during British India.