Caste and conversion movements in India

Nineteenth and early 20th century conversions to Christianity
are viewed by some as the result of material inducements and
by others as exclusively religious events. The author argues
that they should be viewed as social movements of the 'Untouch-
ables' to adapt themselves to the changing socio-political situa-
tion or as a mode of upward social mobility. Caste has always
played a role in conversion as well as maintenance of minority
groups like Christianity, Islam and Sikhism though all of them
preach equality. However, the dynamics of this movement differ-
ed from place to place. The Konkan Coast Christians and the
Coromandel Coast fishermen in the 16th century, the Sudras in
the 18th century and the 'Untouchables' in the 19th and 20th
centuries reacted in different ways to changing circumstances.
As a result of this complexity of factors, caste cleavages remain
among Christians though the 'Untouchables' were attracted
by the hope of social equality. This monograph is an attempt
at understanding this complextiy and is a contribution to the
national debate on the situation of the Scheduled Castes.