Conversion in Bihar, much like in other parts of India, is a multifaceted and often contentious issue shaped by socio-economic, cultural, and religious factors. Under the guise of service, the Joshua Project (https://
If you get the opportunity, observe the global game of this organization. You will understand the situation by looking at their homepage.
Nowadays, a disturbing trend of mass religious conversions driven by greed and allurements is on the rise. Particularly, members of the Nat community, including the acrobats, jugglers, magicians, folk musicians, dancers, and performers like monkey or bear trainers, who are among India’s poorest, are being ensnared with promises of benefits for converting. Historically, before British rule, these families were allowed by local landlords to settle on the outskirts of villages or set up camps. Many of these communities enjoyed security under feudal protection, with several even safeguarded by royal courts. Now, they suffer many forms of poverty due to their semi-nomadic lifestyle. They need help in getting their medical, educational and vocational needs met. These are the Nats, a community comprising approximately 235 families in this region. Known as a wandering gypsy tribe, they lead a nomadic existence and are recognized as a scheduled caste in Bihar. According to W. Crooke (1896), the origins of the Nats remain a perplexing question. In Sanskrit, ‘Nat’ signifies a dancer or nachaniya, a term that evolved to highlight their acrobatic prowess. Even today, Nats in Patna and surrounding areas sustain themselves by showcasing their dance and acrobatic skills, which form the core of their livelihood. Despite their vibrant traditions, they grapple with financial hardships, endure severe poverty, face social stigma, and are marginalized in Bihar society.
Interestingly, Nats hold steadfast faith in their folk healers. Whenever a fellow Nat falls ill or faces adversity, they promptly seek out the ‘Bhagats’ or folk healers renowned for their skill in easing suffering. It is widely believed that these ‘Bhagats’ are the sole ones capable of reuniting them with missing children while they ply their trade as beggars. Revered for their mastery of ‘Tantra Mantra’, these ‘Bhagats’ are also sought after for healing ailments and even performing abortions.
Consider this curious twist, the Nats, typically Hindus, are found as Muslims in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. While they traditionally worship Hindu deities like Ram, Shiva, and others, some also claim the ability to foretell fortunes or administer herbal remedies like Ojha. They actively participate in major Hindu festivals and honor their ancestors, revealing a deep-rooted connection to Hindu traditions. The phenomenon of religious conversion adds another layer of complexity. Particularly in Bihar—where in 1978, missionaries established a camp in Karamtaria village, Kaimur, only to face resistance from local social outliers (referred to in legal terms as dacoits or bandits) who were content with their current way of life and facilities. However, under the influence of missionaries’ persuasion, Scheduled Caste communities in the plains embraced Islam after renouncing Hinduism.
My encounter with a Nat family in Bishrampur Nat Tola, nearly 10 kilometers from the district headquarters in Sasaram, revealed a startling truth. The majority of children enrolled in the local government school were also affiliated with the Gospel Echoing Missionary Society (GEMS).
These missionaries strategically utilized educational facilities to coerce children into reading the Bible. By leveraging access to schooling and educational resources, they imposed pressure on children to engage with religious texts, thereby influencing their beliefs and practices through the educational system. They exploited violence and employed unethical tactics to coerce parents into converting to Christianity. Many children were expelled because they refused to abandon their ancestral beliefs. Some children were mercilessly beaten when it was discovered they had visited a goddess temple with their parents. They were expelled from school. Despite their families receiving improved facilities there, desperate parents repeatedly begged missionaries to forgive their sons, promising they would never again visit a temple.
(In the pictures, Ranjan is a student named Kanchan and Shanti is a parent).
Photos courtesy Madhu Purnima Kishwar.
The way you broke down this subject was really helpful. Now I have a lot better understanding.