The Resilience of Indigenous Religion: A Struggle for Survival of Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak in Manipur

This book explores the resilience of Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak, an indigenous religion of the Rongmei people of Manipur, in the face of stigmatization, conversion, and persecution by sections of Christians. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the factors contributing to the continuity between past and present religious movements and the role of change in maintaining the resilience of an indigenous faith. The book employs social change theory and social identity theory to analyze the experiences of the Rongmei people and their religious practices.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating sociological exploration delves into the remarkable resilience of Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak, one of the indigenous religions of the Rongmei people of Manipur. It delves into the profound factors that enable the followers of this religion to persevere in the face of stigmatization, conversion, and persecution by certain sections of Christians. The book also sheds light on the enduring legacies of the religious movements under Jadonang Malangmei and Rani Gaidinliu, highlighting their contemporary relevance. Furthermore, it explores the intricate connections between the past and present religious movements, unraveling the complex interplay of factors that contribute to the resilience of an indigenous religion.

The Rongmei people who adhere to Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak, a reformed religion, are noteworthy for their openness to evolving religious beliefs and practices. However, what is particularly intriguing is the sincere embrace of atavism among the followers of Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak, despite the conscious reformations that promote the idea of primordiality, which implies unchanging beliefs.

In terms of methodology, this book employs a theoretical and methodological triangulation approach. Social change theory and social identity theory are utilized to gain a deeper understanding of the resilience exhibited by the indigenous faith of the Rongmei people amidst the dominance of Hinduism and tribal Christianity. It is observed that the concept of change plays a crucial role in comprehending the resilience of an indigenous faith, even in the face of the prevailing belief in the essentiality of primordiality within a religion.

The primary objective of this book is to serve the academic interests of researchers engaged in the study of indigenous religions. It is important to note that Taylor & Francis does not sell or distribute the print version of this book in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032424491