Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

Caste and caste inequalities are existing as a factual reality in the present day too. In Kerala, irrespective of high development, literacy and secularism, caste is still a crucial matter in the social and cultural life of the people. Related to the caste system in the Hindu religion is hierarchy in status, prevailing inequalities in power and wealth as well as imbalances in the religious sphere. This study explores such a case in which the famous religious ritual of kaliyattam in Northern Kerala is subjected to an ethnographic investigation. What resulted is the understanding of the harsh realities existing in the society in terms of caste and ritual authorities and exploitation. The different communities in the region that are a part of the ritual have to follow strict customs, which are mostly exploitative economically and unjustifiable and inhumane socially.

Keywords

Religious rituals Kaliyattam Theyyam Dalits caste oppression

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Ashley

(1979). The theyyam kettu of northern Kerala. The Drama Review, 23(2), 99–112.

Freeman

F. R.

(1999). Gods, groves, and nature in Kerala. Modern Asian Studies, 33(2), 257–302.

Gough

K. E.

(1958). Cults of the dead among the Nayars. The Journal of American Folklore, 71(281), 446–478.

Miller

J. E.

(1954). Caste and territory in Malabar. American Anthropologist, 56(3), 410–420.

Namboodiri

D. D.

(1999). Caste and social change in colonial Kerala. In Cherian

P. J.

(Ed), Perspectives on Kerala history: The second millennium (pp. 426–455). Government of Kerala.

Tarabout

(2005). Malabar gods, nation-building and world culture: On perceptions of the local and the global. In Assayag

& Fuller

C. J.

(Eds), Globalizing India: Perspectives from below (pp. 186–209). Anthem Press.

Gods and the Oppressed: A Study on Theyyam Performers of North Malabar

Abstract

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References