ABSTRACT

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.

chapter |34 pages

Introduction

part 1|63 pages

The Rishi in South-West Bangladesh

chapter 2|12 pages

The situation of the group

chapter 3|7 pages

The Rishi and the cow

chapter 4|11 pages

The experience of ‘Untouchability'

chapter 5|23 pages

The Rishi and Hindu Dharma

part 2|83 pages

The Rishi and Christianity (1856–1953)

part 3|91 pages

The Xaverians and the Rishi (1952–94)

chapter 9|18 pages

The Diocese of Khulna: general overview

chapter 10|7 pages

The Xaverians' involvement among the Rishi

chapter 11|17 pages

Simulia Mission

chapter 12|18 pages

Satkhira Mission

chapter 13|24 pages

Baradal Mission

part 4|91 pages

Mission and Dialogue

chapter 14|31 pages

The Rishi Diaspora

chapter 15|9 pages

‘New Paths' of missionary presence

chapter 16|8 pages

The conversion of Untouchables

chapter 18|15 pages

The ethics of dialogue

chapter |3 pages

Afterword