Abstract Panel


Authors Information
SequenceTypeName TitleFirst NameLast NameDepartmentInstitute / Affiliation
1 Author Mr. Varkees Vijay Fellow Consultant Madras School of Social Work
Abstract Information
TrackID
:
IUAES23_ABS_H2236
Abstract Theme
:
PT144 - Religion and Sentiments
Abstract Title
:
Transforming caste identity: the practice of Burial grounds in Tamil Nadu
Short Abstract
:
. The practice of constructing the burial ground in the same place creates the equality of all castes. The Dravidian Buddhists are labeled as a ‘pariah’ in the colonial period in Tamil Nadu. The mental construct of subordination in terms of caste as “pariah” is present in the social organization of the rural and urban spheres. The early conversion to Christianity did not fully withdraw from the caste identity (change their identity from Hindu to Christian, even though visible the suffix of their surname (‘pariah’).
Long Abstract
:

Religious conversion is a social process, where the accommodation of different caste groups are taken place, in this way the oriental religion (Christianity) is change the structure and processes of caste Hindu society. The division of labor within the Hindu society also constructs the mental domination of Brahmin as an upper class/caste, and pariah as a lower class/caste.

In the colonial period, the conversion of Hindus to Christianity is named a “Christian pariah”. The introduced practice of Christianity is bringing the burial ground of all communities into one place. But it is not followed in all places. In some places, within Christianity in Tamil Nadu different caste group burial grounds are there. In some places, the separate wall for worshipping the god in different communities.

The treat pariah caste is separate in rural (‘colony’) and urban (‘para Cheri’) and is almost is same in Tamil Nadu. Their identity of caste Hindu is only the Christian, but respect the equal is not fully achieved in the rural and urban sphere.

Abstract Keywords
:
Conversion, Christianity, Pariah, burial ground, caste identity