Saints, Goddesses and Kings

Preface; List of maps; Note on transliteration; Abbreviations; Glossary; Introduction; 1. South Indian religion and society; 2. The development of Muslim society in Tamilnad; 3. The Muslim religious tradition in south India; 4. The south Indian state and the creation of Muslim community; 5. Warrior martyr pirs in the eighteenth century; 6. The final period of nawabi rule in the Carnatic; 7. South Indian Christians in the pre-colonial period; 8. The collapse of Syrian Christian 'integration'; 9. The Christian Paravas of southern Tamilnad; 10. Christian saints and gurus in the poligar country; 11. Christianity and colonial rule in the Tamil hinterland; 12. Conclusion; Bibliography.

"In this wide-reaching study, Susan Bayly describes the varied historical experience of converts to two West Asian monotheisms, Islam and Christianity, in predominantly Hindu India...While describing in admirable detail the diverse histories of these different communities, Bayly also traces out an underlying collective narrative of conversion, integration, disruption, and communal rigidification." Journal of the American Oriental Society "Her work unearths and analyses a marvellous range of materials to describe the texture of the lived, everyday religion of south India's Christians and Muslims." Times Literary Supplement "...a landmark in the understanding of the historical changes in South India during the rise of East India Company dominion... This is a truly magnificent study. Well written, it places South Indian history in proper perspective and is guaranteed to stimulate much new thinking." Choice "In this monumental study of an important period in South Indian history, Susan Bayly has begun to rewrite how we look at Indian religions historically, socially and culturally, both those traditions indigenous to India and those having their origins outside India, i.e. Islam and Christianity...One cannot but express a profound appreciation to the author for her contribution to an understanding of the history of South India and the new avenues of interpretation which have been opened up by this book." J. Daniel White, Journal of Asian and African Studies "This book breaks new ground in understanding the history of Christianity in India. Bayly's perspective, insights, and conclusions are of great importance." John C. B. Webster, Church History