Publisher's Synopsis
This book comprises reflections on the indigenous Malankara Church and its faithful, the Hindu Nasranis, a caste-based community in India. The book discusses the identity crisis encountered by the present-day Nasranis, and how they are bound to carry the 'Syrian' tagline, a foreign identity over their shoulders. It is categorically stated that Malankara Nasranis of India are not 'Syrian Christians' rather they are wrongly addressed in that way. The book urges Nasranis to emerge from the Syrian/Latin/foreign identities that have been imposed on them as a result of Christian colonialism. Most importantly the book depicts the cultural, religious and social relations between Nasranis and Hindus and explains how they are different from the rest of the Christians. The book also reminds us that Malankara Church is not a by-product of European missionary evangelism, but a socio-religious institution that originated in India. It emphasizes the importance of the Judeo-Dravidian and Bhartiya identity of Malankara Nasrani which has been overlooked as a result of foreign influences. This thesis also showcases local age-old Nasrani cultural practices, traditions and the changes that took place over the centuries as a result of colonial Christian domination. It calls on everyone to have a better and wider understanding of the Malankara Church, which is a native community of India and not to confuse it as a mere 'Christian Sect'. The book also debates contemporary socio-political and religious scenarios and boldly exposes various issues about the Malankara Church leadership.
