The Socio-Cultural and the Spiritual World of the Santals A Christian Approach to the Santals

includes index and biblioraphy

1. Gegenral Background of the Santals Tribals in various literatures...........26 A general background of tribals ........39 Origin of Santals ...........48 Language ..........62 Geographical Background .....70 Socio-economical Contexts ....86 Politiocal context .........99 Literacy .........111 Food - habit of the santal .........113 Dance and instruments ......120 Lifestyle of the santals ............125 2. The spiritual world the santals Genesis of religious beliefs .........134 Santal religious beliefs ..........143 Basic Beliefs ..........147 Priesthood..........178 Concept of sin ...........191 Sacrifice .........195 Festivals ..........202 Magic and Witchcraft .........231 3. The santal passage The santal passage ........250 Prenatal period ........252 Birth ceremonies ......264 Initiation ......278 Marriage ............285 Forms of marriage among the santals ...........323 Divorce ..........327 Death rite .........332 Women in the Santal Society .........347 4. Relevance of the santal Culture, faith and mission of the church among the santals Relevance of Santal Culture .........361 Santal Culture and its identity ...............374 Mission of the church among the santals ..........377 Critical evaluation of santal passage ..........415 Santal life at the crossroads..........422 Theological Reflection.........436 Suggestions for the mission among the santals ..........449 Inculturation .........471