article

Kerala Christians and the caste system

Man11 (1) • Published In 1976 • Pages: 53-70

By: Fuller, C. J..

Abstract
Kerala communities have been long divided primarily along caste and religious lines. This article discusses the ways long-standing Hindu caste principles have functioned within two non-Hindu religions, Islam and Christianity, with a focus on caste principles in Syrian, Latin, and New Christian sects. It is argued that these sects relate to each other as caste groups. Unlike traditional Hindu castes considered acquired by birth, Christian castes have been regarded as achieved, which allows for individual social mobility. Also, because they have no concept of bodily pollution, Christian castes have been less concerned with rules governing day-to-day interactions among community members.
Subjects
Castes
Missions
Religious denominations
Inter-community relations
Congregations
Theological systems
Prayers and sacrifices
Status, role, and prestige
Accumulation of wealth
Real property
Regulation of marriage
Basis of marriage
culture
Kerala
HRAF PubDate
2017
Region
Asia
Sub Region
South Asia
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Anthropologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Teferi Abate Adem
Field Date
1971-1972
Coverage Date
1560-1972
Coverage Place
Central Travancore region, Kerala, India
Notes
C. J. Fuller
Includes bibliographical references (p. 69-70)
LCCN
sf 80000548
LCSH
Kerala (India)