G. A. Oddie

Old Wine in New Bottles? Kartabhaja (Vaishnava) Converts to Evangelical Christianity in Bengal, 1835–1845

Introduction

Old wine in new bottles? kartabhaja (vaishnava) converts to evangelical christianity in bengal, 1835–1845. Explore Kartabhaja (Vaishnava) conversions to Evangelical Christianity in 19th-century Bengal. Examines continuities between belief systems, pre-conversion ideas, and Hindu-Christian parallels.

Abstract

Of special relevance in what follows are three of [anthropologist Robin] Horton's more general and interrelated points - ideas and assumptions which have influenced much of our discussion of Kartabhaja conversion. Firstly, Horton joins with many other scholars in calling for a return to 'the intellectualist approach', an approach 'which takes systems of belief at their face value, i. e. as theoretical systems intended for the explanation, prediction and control of space-time events'. Secondly … he underlines the role of reason and endorses Weber's concept of 'rationalization'. … Thirdly, when discussing ways in which 'rationalization' or change takes place, Horton stresses the importance of continuities and links between old and new systems of belief. However, apart from the latter somewhat restricted investigation, there has been no serious study of the role of pre-conversion ideas in the rise and growth of Christian group or mass movements which originated within the framework of Hindu caste society. How important were religious ideas or assumptions in these movements? How far did pre-existing beliefs and attitudes either inhibit or facilitate the conversion process? What parallels were there in Hindu and Christian thought and how important were these parallels in conversion? This paper is an attempt to explore these issues with reference to Kartabhaja conversion in the first half of the nineteenth century.

Review

This paper, titled "Old Wine in New Bottles? Kartabhaja (Vaishnava) Converts to Evangelical Christianity in Bengal, 1835–1845," promises a focused and theoretically informed historical examination of religious conversion. The author skillfully situates the study within an established scholarly discourse, particularly by engaging with Robin Horton's intellectualist approach to belief systems and his emphasis on the role of 'rationalization' as articulated by Max Weber. This theoretical grounding, which views belief systems as explanatory frameworks and stresses continuities in the process of change, sets a strong foundation for a nuanced analysis of the conversion experience in colonial Bengal. A key strength of the proposed work lies in its explicit identification and attempt to fill a significant gap in the existing literature. The abstract highlights the scarcity of "serious study of the role of pre-conversion ideas in the rise and growth of Christian group or mass movements which originated within the framework of Hindu caste society." To address this, the paper articulates clear research questions: exploring the importance of pre-existing religious assumptions, determining how far prior beliefs facilitated or inhibited conversion, and identifying crucial parallels between Hindu and Christian thought. The choice of Kartabhaja (Vaishnava) converts during a specific decade in 19th-century Bengal provides a precise historical case study through which these broader theoretical questions can be rigorously investigated. Overall, this paper presents a highly relevant and potentially impactful contribution to our understanding of religious history and the sociology of conversion. The title itself provocatively frames the central tension between innovation and continuity, suggesting a sophisticated inquiry beyond simple narratives of religious rupture. By applying a robust theoretical framework to an under-examined historical context, the research is well-positioned to offer valuable insights into the complex interplay of intellectual, social, and cultural factors that shape religious change, thereby enriching both regional histories of Bengal and broader studies of conversion dynamics.

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