The Truth Behind the Term 'Rice Bag Converts'

It is a common misunderstanding to associate Keralite Christians with the derogatory term 'rice bag converts'. This article aims to debunk the misconceptions and provide a clear historical and cultural context for these Christians.

Origins of Christianity in Kerala

The Christian community in Kerala has its own rich history that predates the arrival of Europeans. The emergence of Christianity in Kerala was not influenced by the Roman Church but was an independent and autonomous community. When the Portuguese first arrived in Kerala, they attempted to forcibly incorporate this community into the Roman Catholic fold. This resistance is known as the Koonan Kurishu Satyagraham and is a significant part of the community's history.

Some perceive the term 'rice bag converts' to insinuate that the community was influenced by material incentives during the missionary era. However, this is not a fair or accurate portrayal of the situation.

Misconceptions and Historical Context

The term 'rice bag' has deep historical roots and is often used to dismiss the cultural and social history of the community. Historically, migrants from Central Asia, known as Aryans, did not bring female partners with them. Instead, they were captured and forced into marriages with local aborigines, a practice that did not involve any bride price. This practice is indicative of the broader history of South Asia, which was inhabited by aboriginal people.

During the missionary era, the poorer sections of society were targeted for conversion. Many individuals converted to Christianity for better social and economic opportunities, especially given the casteism prevalent in South Asia. Additionally, these individuals received assistance in the form of rice bags to help them through hardships. This largesse was meant to alleviate immediate poverty and offered a path to social mobility. However, the term 'rice bag convert' has since taken on a derogatory connotation, representing a time of lower social standing.

It is important to note that the majority of those who converted through these efforts are now simply 'bread and butter' Christians, meaning they simply follow the teachings of their faith without any additional connotations of materialism or loss of cultural identity.

Historical Insights Through Great Minds

Insights into the nature and purpose of missionary efforts can be found in the writings of prominent figures like Jomo Kenyatta and Mark Twain. Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of Kenya, provides a poignant insight when he says, 'When the missionaries arrived, the Africans had the land and the missionaries had the Bible. They taught us how to pray with our eyes closed. When we opened them, they had the land and we had the Bible.' This quote highlights the power dynamics at play during the missionary era.

Mark Twain, in his autobiography Volumes 3, also criticizes the role of missionaries as the 'front-line troops of global imperialism.' He describes the quests of conversion and colonization, emphasizing the exploitation and manipulation inherent in such endeavors.

In conclusion, the term 'rice bag converts' is a misinterpretation of the historical and cultural context of the Keralite Christian community. It reflects a time of material assistance and social change but not necessarily co-optation or loss of cultural identity. These efforts have not only led to a rich and vibrant Christian community in Kerala but also to a deeper understanding of the evolving relationship between Christianity and South Asian society.