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Ethnicity to Conversion: Role of Christian Missionaries Among Karbi Tribe

Amit Soni, Pankaj Protim Bordoloi

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Indian Journal of Research in Anthropology 10(2):p 161-168, July-December 2024. | DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijra.2454.9118.10224.7

How Cite This Article:

Bordoloi PP, Soni A. Ethnicity to conversion: role of Christian missionaries among Karbi tribe. Ind J Res Anthropol. 2024;10(2):161-168.

Timeline

Received : November 10, 2024         Accepted : December 04, 2024          Published : December 29, 2024

Abstract

The Karbis, an indigenous group primarily inhabiting Assam and nearby regions, have long preserved distinct cultural and religious traditions rooted in animism and nature worship. However, the introduction of Christianity, spearheaded by missionaries during the colonial and post-colonial periods, brought profound changes to their socio religious landscape. This study examines the Karbi tribe of Northeast India, focusing on their ethnicity, cultural practices, and the transformative impact of Christian missionary efforts on their society. The research explores the methods employed by missionaries to facilitate conversion, including education, health care, and community engagement, while also considering the voluntary and involuntary dimensions of the Karbis’ transition to Christianity. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of missionary-led institutions in redefining Karbi identity and fostering social mobility. Additionally, the study interrogates the interplay between tradition and modernity, addressing how the Karbi community has negotiated cultural preservation amidst religious transformation. Through a combination of historical analysis and ethnographic fieldwork, this paper provides nuanced insights into the complexities of religious conversion, the resilience of ethnic identity, and the evolving dynamics between indigenous communities and external influences. The findings reveal a dual narrative of empowerment and cultural displacement, reflecting broader themes of globalization, colonial legacies, and the ongoing redefinition of indigenous identities in contemporary India.

References

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Cite this article

Bordoloi PP, Soni A. Ethnicity to conversion: role of Christian missionaries among Karbi tribe. Ind J Res Anthropol. 2024;10(2):161-168.

Licence:

Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator. 

Received Accepted Published
November 10, 2024 December 04, 2024 December 29, 2024
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijra.2454.9118.10224.7

Keywords

TribeEthnicityChristian MissionarySocial MobilityReligious TransformationCultural Preservation.

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Timeline

Received November 10, 2024
Accepted December 04, 2024
Published December 29, 2024

licence

Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator. 


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