Playing God

Theodore Gabriel is Associate Senior Lecturer and Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Gloucestershire. He was born and had his early education in Kerala. After obtaining a postgradute degree in Sociology and Anthropology at Shivaji University, Maharashtra, he did research work at the University of Aberdeen leading to his MLitt and PhD degrees in Comparative Religion. He is the author of Lakshadweep, History, Religion and Society (New Delhi, Books and Books, 1989), Hindu-Muslim Relations in North Malabar 1498-1947 (E. Mellen Press, 1996), Hindu and Muslim Inter-Religious Relations in Malaysia (E. Mellen Press, 2000) and the co-editor of Mysticisms, East and West: Studies in Mystical Experience (Paternoster Press, 2003). His research interests are in Islam in South and south East Asia, Hinduism in South India, Inter-Faith Relations and Tribal Religions.

• Foreword by Professor Andrew Walls, Liverpool Hope University Chapter 1 Introduction and a short account of Kerala and the North Malabar Region Chapter 2 Religion and caste in North Malabar Chapter 3: Spirit possession and ritual praxis in North Malabar the Teyyam Chapter 4 The Muttappan Legend and emancipation of untouchables in North Malabar Chapter 5 The Rituals of the Muttappan Cult Chapter 6 Sanskritisation of the Muttappan Cult A new hermeneutic for the Muttappan legend and ritual Chapter 7 Conclusion

'This fascinating little book deals in detail with what at first might seem a small cult, colourful and dynamic certainly, but of significance merely local to its place of origin in the Indian state of Kerala. As the story unfolds, however, it becomes clear that this is far from the case, and that the phenomenon is full of interest for students of the history of religions. From Dr Gabriel's many other writings we have learned to expect patient investigation and humane and sympathetic interpretation. In this book we find those qualities once more abundantly on display.' From the Foreword by Professor Andrew Walls, Liverpool Hope University 'This very short study of a possession cult in India raises important questions about the relation of religion to social organization -- and of the relation of religions to each other.' David Eller, Community College of Denver, Anthropology Review Database June 26, 2011