Author:
Bauman, Chad M.
Imprint:Grand Rapids, Mich. : William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2008.
Descriptionxiv, 276 p. : ill., maps ; 24 cm.
Note:Introduction. The context : Chhattisgarh, the Satnamis, and Satnami-Christians ; Plan of the book ; Methodological notes ; Broader issues -- Contextualizing the study. Chhattisgarhi social structure ; Chhattisgarhi religiosity ; The Satnampanth ; Satnamis and sanskritization in the twentieth century ; The origins of Christianity in Chhattisgarh -- Factors in becoming (or not becoming) Christian. Famine, misfortune, and the economics of conversion ; Health, healing, and leaving one's religion ; Christianization and social status ; Religion as social vision ; On not becoming Christian -- The myth of history and the history of myth. Tattoos and other embarrassing reminders of a Satnami past ; Inventive converts, mythologizing missionaries, and the story of Guru Ghasidas ; "A voice calling in the wilderness" ; Inventing tradition : M.M. Paul's Satyanami panth -- Allopathic medicine and the allure of efficacy. Medicine, health, and hygiene ; Medical itineration and the allure of efficacy ; Christian medicine as "strong magic" ; Interpreting the signs -- "Christian" womanhood. Satnami-Christian conjugality : weddings, widows, and divorce ; Women's education and professionalization ; Christianization as sanskritization? -- Satnami and Christian stories : "human recapitulations of a social transformation." "Doctor" Hira Lal ; Simon Drastahin (Simon the Sightless) ; Tularam Paul ; Ratiram ; Beni Madhav -- Conclusion. Chhattisgarhi Christianity in the post-independence era ; The Christian missionary activities enquiry ; The destruction of Gass Memorial Centre.
Bibliography Note:Includes bibliographical references (p. 255-269) and index.
