Mass Conversion To Christianity: A Case Study Of Chuhra Community In Sialkot Distric (1880- 1930)

Abstract

This article analyses the phenomenon of mass-conversion with reference to the Chuhra community of Sialkot district from 1880 to 1930. The focus is on two important aspects of mass-conversion movement in Sialkot District: first, the missionaries changed their pattern of interaction with the local community and focused on the lower segments of the society, second, the socio-economic marginality of Chuhra community pushed them towards mass conversion, and a new religious identity. It highlights the circumstances in which Chuhra mass-conversion movement materialised. Due to their marginalized status Chuhras always remained in search of a new identity. This pursuit for a new identity was based on their aspirations for socio-economic uplift. Consequently, most of the Chuhras came under the sway of Ad-Dharm movement of the 1920s.