PITCHING CASTEIST PRAXIS AGAINST CHRISTIAN IDEALS: NAVIGATING COLONIAL CONFLICT IN DAVID DAVIDAR’S THE HOUSE OF BLUE MANGOES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i1.2024.3893Keywords:
Proselytisation, Caste, South, Christianity, ColonialismAbstract [English]
This study examines the complex interplay between casteism and Christianity in David Davidar’s novel, The House of Blue Mangoes. It explores how casteism, deeply entrenched within the socio-cultural fabric of India, conflicts with Christian ideals introduced during colonial times. The novel’s narrative is dissected to reveal how caste distinctions are perpetuated despite the Christian emphasis on equality and brotherhood. Through a detailed analysis of the characters’ experiences and the sociopolitical dynamics depicted in the novel, this paper highlights the challenges of reconciling Christian proselytisation efforts with the rigid caste structures. The findings suggest that the clash between the two ideologies often results in a superficial adoption of Christian values, which fails to dismantle the deep-seated caste prejudices. This study contributes to the understanding of religious influence on social hierarchies and offers insights into the enduring struggle against caste discrimination in India. The study exposes that despite conversion, casteism prevails in the South.
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