Summary
Contents
Subject index
This volume documents the ethnographies of regionally distinct Dalit and tribal Christian communities, raising new arguments pertaining to the autonomy and distinct identity of these communities in adverse social set-ups.
Stressing upon the plurality of identities, the essays reject the idea of determining these exclusively on the basis of religion. They also chart the multiple levels of marginality experienced by both Dalit and tribal Christians and analyze how these groups negotiate their former religious faith and practices with Christianity.
The book is a response to the urgent need for such studies in social science writings brought to the fore by contemporary political challenges and struggles facing these communities in various parts of India.
Tribal Church in the Margins: Oraons of Central India
Tribal Church in the Margins: Oraons of Central India
Double Marginalization
Despite the contribution of Christianity, primarily in the field of education, health, culture, literature, development and political consciousness, what have often been highlighted are the mutual discrimination, segregation and alienation between tribal Christians and those with traditional faith. Christianity has also been accused of superimposing its supposedly ‘superior’ beliefs and practices on the local and its disdainful and contemptuous attitude towards new converts, projecting the latter as the ‘heathen’ families breaking the fetters of ‘heathenism’ and joining the church. The church was thought to be indulging in detribalization and cultural alienation. From the traditional tribal point of view the new ways of celebrating tribal festivals, offering ...
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