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India - Christian Convert and a Pariah
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India - Christian Convert and a Pariah
A man from the low pariah class of Southern India converted (to English life) wearing a suit, alongside an unconverted man from the same caste - both remain outsiders to Indian society. Date: circa 1907
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Media ID 14116700
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Caste Contrast Converted Irony Southern Pariah
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This evocative photograph, captured circa 1907, offers a poignant glimpse into the complexities of colonial India and the intricacies of its caste system. The image features two men from the Pariah community of Southern India, a traditionally low caste, standing side by side. The man on the left, dressed in a well-tailored suit and a serious expression, has recently converted to the English way of life. The man on the right, dressed in traditional attire, remains unconverted. The contrast between the two men is striking – the converted man, having embraced Western values and fashion, is attempting to assimilate into the dominant British culture. Yet, despite his efforts, he remains an outsider, a Pariah, a label that carries deep historical and social significance in Indian society. The unconverted man, on the other hand, remains rooted in his community and traditions, but is equally marginalized. The irony of the situation is palpable – both men are outsiders in their own way, yet they have chosen different paths to cope with the social hierarchies of their time. The man in the suit may have gained some measure of acceptance in British circles, but he has lost touch with his roots. The man in traditional attire, on the other hand, may be shunned by the British, but he remains true to his heritage. This photograph also highlights the complexities of colonial India and the ways in which the British influenced Indian society. The adoption of Western values and fashion was a way for some Indians to gain social mobility and acceptance, but it came at a cost – the loss of cultural identity and the perpetuation of social hierarchies. As we look at this photograph, we are reminded of the rich and complex history of India, a history marked by contrasts, ironies, and the enduring power of tradition and identity.
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