ABSTRACT
The outset of the chapter acknowledges the fact that most descriptions of Santal religion are based on recent collections or on L.O. Skrefsrud’s earlier collections, which came to supersede all earlier collections except for the analysis of very specific issues. As this book address such an issue, the Santal rebellion of 1855–1856, earlier written descriptions of the Santal religion are considered, notably reports from East India Company’s surveyors Captain W.S. Sherwill and Francis Buchanan, which are critically examined together with relevant stray reports. With regard to myths, the Christian missionaries had a special interest in mythology and the use of language; the only pre-rebellion collection of Santal myths, gathered by a missionary Jeremiah Philipps, is critically assessed. The chapter triangulates collections from before the rebellion with later collections in order to identify and assess changes in ethical and moral concepts prevalent before, during and after the rebellion. This enables a consideration of the gradual expansion of Śaivism and Vaiṣṇavism, as well as of Christianity via missions in areas inhabited by Santals.
