‘Thy Kingdom Come’: The Impact of Colonization and Proselytization on Religion among the Nagas

Abstract

Does socio-political circumstance have an impact on religion, religious conversion or religious beliefs? Assuming it does, how does such circumstance shape the theology and beliefs of a people who exist amid a turbulent socio-political situation? In this paper I will analyze the impact of socio-political turbulence on Nagas and assert that among the Nagas there is a correlation between the height of political violence and the rapid conversion to Christianity. The long history of colonial violence and suppression coupled with the undermining of Naga cultural values and practices by the process of proselytization created an atmosphere conducive for conversion to Christianity and shaped the Nagas' theological choices.

Brokering cooperation: Intermediaries and US cooperation with non-state allies, 1776–1945

“…The British had contact with the “hills peoples” — the Naga, Chin, Karens, and Kachins — before the war, but relations were, at best, mixed. The Chin, Karens, and Kachins were targets of a British recruitment campaign in the 19th century, and the Naga endured a particularly bloody British attempt at colonization (Aung-Thwin, 1985; Thong, 2010). Perhaps surprisingly, the Nagas (victims of the British) and the Karens and Kachins (who previously cooperated with the British) all supported British and US units deployed in the China–Burma–India theatre: they fought a guerilla war against Japan, rescued downed airmen, collected intelligence, and acted as guides (Fellowes-Gordon, 1957; Webster, 2004).…”

Northeast Migrants in Delhi : Race, Refuge and Retail

“…All major religions are practiced in the Northeast along with indigenous faiths, some of which are practiced in tandem with major religions. In the hills, religion is not necessarily simple, but most communities in the hills have been at least partially converted to Christianity over the last century and a half (Brekke 2006;Downs 2003;Eaton 1997;Joshi 2007;Thong 2010). The notable exceptions are Arunachal Pradesh, where different tribal and ethnic communities follow different faiths including indigenous faiths -most notably donyi-polo 9 and Mahayana Buddhism -and Sikkim, where Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity coexist and in some cases overlap.…”

Northeast Migrants in Delhi

“…All major religions are practiced in the Northeast along with indigenous faiths, some of which are practiced in tandem with major religions. In the hills, religion is not necessarily simple, but most communities in the hills have been at least partially converted to Christianity over the last century and a half (Brekke 2006;Downs 2003;Eaton 1997;Joshi 2007;Thong 2010). The notable exceptions are Arunachal Pradesh, where different tribal and ethnic communities follow different faiths including indigenous faiths most notably donyi-polo 9 and Mahayana Buddhismand Sikkim, where Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity coexist and in some cases overlap.…”