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This book is a study of the changing relationship over time (1856-1994) between the Rishi, an ex-Untouchable jati of Bengal/South-West Bangladesh, and various groups of Catholic missionaries. The book's originality and importance lies in its multi-disciplinary approach, which combines anthropological fieldwork, historical research, philosophical enquiry and contemporary missiological debates. Moreover, it addresses issues of great current relevance in its discussions of Orientalism, Neo-colonialism and Otherness.
List of contents
Introduction; 1: The Rishi in South-West Bangladesh; 1: The (Muchi-) Rishi of Bengal and Bangladesh; 2: The situation of the group; 3: The Rishi and the cow; 4: The experience of ‘Untouchability'; 5: The Rishi and Hindu Dharma; 2: The Rishi and Christianity (1856–1953); 6: The Rishi and the PIME Missionaries in Jessore—Simulia (1856–1927); 7: The Salesians among the Rishi (1938–53); 8: The Jesuits among the Rishi of Satkhira—Baradal (1918–52); 3: The Xaverians and the Rishi (1952–94); 9: The Diocese of Khulna: general overview; 10: The Xaverians' involvement among the Rishi; 11: Simulia Mission; 12: Satkhira Mission; 13: Baradal Mission; 4: Mission and Dialogue; 14: The Rishi Diaspora; 15: ‘New Paths' of missionary presence; 16: The conversion of Untouchables; 17: Colonialism and other issues relating to the Mission; 18: The ethics of dialogue; Afterword
About the author
Dr Cosimo Zene, Cosimo Zene
Summary
This book is a study of the changing relationship over time (1856-1994) between the Rishi, an ex-Untouchable jati of Bengal/South-West Bangladesh, and various groups of Catholic missionaries. The book's originality and importance lies in its multi-disciplinary approach which combines anthropological fieldwork, historical research, philosophical enquiry and contemporary missiological debates. Moreover, it addresses issues of great current relevance in its discussions of Orientalism, Neo-colonialism and Otherness.
