Faith and Community: Church Culture and Missionary Work in South Odisha by Sadananda Nayak

Description

Orissa, popularly known as the sacred land of Lord Jagannath, is a land of
resplendent glory and rich cultural heritage. In spite of such glorious history, there were
number of evil systems spreading the firmament of this sacrosanct land. These were
illiteracy, idolatry, superstition, self – immolation under the chariot of Lord Jagannath in Puri,
rigid caste system, untouchability, sati system, meriah sacrifice and infanticide etc. However
with the advent of the missionaries in this land, there was a tremendous transformation in
the social sphere particularly in the tribal society of Orissa. They constantly persuaded and
pressurized the Government to abolish such evil systems from the society and later on it was
legalized. The missionaries were also the pioneer of female education and the first people to
come in close contact with the tribal communities who were isolated from the mainstream
since time immemorial. As a result of this social mobilization took place and a favourable
ambience was created. It helped in the regeneration and renovation of traditional society
into a pragmatic one.

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