Introduction to Caste in Christianity: Case of Kerala

14 Pages Posted: 27 Nov 2015 Last revised: 12 Apr 2016

Date Written: March 12, 2010

Abstract

This paper is premised on the argument which would demolish the myth i.e. caste is centric to Hindu community only. Here, I tried to map out the introduction and evolution of Christianity in Kerala which would give way to the most significant portions of this paper which is ‘history of conversions to Christianity in Kerala’ and later, to understand the interplay and dynamics I dealt with identifying various sects in Christianity, however, these should not be regarded as caste. This is because here we find more scope for social mobility and sometimes they act as pollution neutralizers. But for those concerning, rules of pollution remains same for Hindus and Christians. The various denominations of Christianity found in Kerala are mainly – Syrian, Latin and New Christian groupings which has acculturated forms of caste practices over the years despite, no mention of the concept of 'bodily pollution' in bible or in the principles of Christian religion. Hence, on these accounts it is necessary to deal with ‘rules of caste and pollution’ which is followed by final remarks as conclusion.

Keywords: Caste, Pollution, Christianity, Kerala, Conversion

Suggested Citation

Varghese, Philip, Introduction to Caste in Christianity: Case of Kerala (March 12, 2010). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2694487 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2694487

Philip Varghese (Contact Author)

Jawaharlal Nehru University ( email )

Vasant Vihar
Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi, DE Delhi 110067
India

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