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Indian Journal of Research in Anthropology 10(2):p 161-168, July-December 2024. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijra.2454.9118.10224.7
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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: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijra.2454.9118.10224.7
How Cite This Article:
Pankaj Protim Bordoloi, Amit Soni, Ethnicity to Conversion: Role of Christian Missionaries Among Karbi Tribe. Ind J Res Anthropol 2024;10(2):161-168.Timeline
Received : December 10, 2024
Accepted : December 24, 2024
Published : December 30, 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 socioreligious 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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- 3. S. K. Baruah, Indigenous Religions of North East India, Delhi: Vikas Publishing House, 1992.
- 4. Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Cultural Heritage of Karbi Anglong, Diphu: KAAC Publication, 2008.
- 5. A. Longkumer, “Religious Change and Cultural Revival among the Karbis of Assam,” Asian Ethnology, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 291-312, 2011.
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Data Sharing Statement
There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.
Funding
This research received no funding.
Author Contributions
All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.
Ethics Declaration
This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.
Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest in this work.
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Cite this article
Pankaj Protim Bordoloi, Amit Soni, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| December 10, 2024 | December 24, 2024 | December 30, 2024 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijra.2454.9118.10224.7
Keywords
TribeEthnicityChristian MissionarySocial MobilityReligious TransformationCultural Preservation.Search for Similar Articles
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Timeline
| Received | December 10, 2024 |
| Accepted | December 24, 2024 |
| Published | December 30, 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.
