--- layout: default title: "Chapter 2, Methodology (Working Document)" categories: [A. M. A. Ayrookuzhiel, Unfinished Manuscript of A. M. A. Ayrookuzhiel] description: Chapter 2, "Methodology", from the unfinished manuscript tentatively titled "Dalits and Hindu Religious Identity". This chapter sets out the methodology for the study of caste-specific religious life and Dalit participation in Hindu religious traditions. permalink: /amaa/unfinished-manuscript-chapter-2-methodology/ created: 2026-07-10 --- ***Chapter 2, Methodology*** is the transcription of page 50 of the [Unfinished Manuscript of A. M. A. Ayrookuzhiel (Working Document)](/amaa/unfinished-manuscript/), which documents the reconstruction of the unfinished manuscript tentatively titled *Dalits and Hindu Religious Identity* by [Rev. Dr. A. M. A. Ayrookuzhiel](/amaa/). The page sets out the methodology for the study, describing the empirical approach, the geographical scope of the fieldwork, and the framework for examining caste-specific religious practices and Dalit participation in Hindu religious life. ## Full Text

Chapter 2

METHODOLOGY

The kind of picture described above, can be discovered only through some empirical study. Such a study I have done in the State of Kerala, but the actual field study was limited to a manageable unit in Kerala, namely, the Kotarakara Taluk in Kollam District. In the Kollam District itself, we have done a sample study. To find out if the general picture as it exists in the Kotarakara Taluk corresponds to the one in the district as a whole, a general observance of the adjoining areas (districts) also was done. The two points mentioned above, namely, (1) the caste order prevails in the religio-cultural life of the Hindu people, (2) or whether there is integrating religious forces among them are discovered through the following empirical indices. Hindu community all over India is found existing as castes and sub-castes. How do we find them in our empirical study as regard their religious life? Do we find them as having their own caste temples, shrines, sacred groves, festivals, gods, forms of worship, priest, other religious functionaries, festivals etc? Are these specific to the caste or some of them common with the other castes? In our survey, we find both types of data. Therefore, first we describe the specific religious character of all caste groups. Secondly, we describe the common features, and how the Dalits participate in the common Hindu religious life. Every Caste group has its own caste specific religious character strengthening its Caste Identity 1. Places of worship 2. Object of worship 3. Form and type of worship 4. Religious functionaries and Roles 5. Festivals 6. Conclusion Common Features of Hindu religious life and Dalit participation in them 1. Common temples 2. Common gods 3. Common form of worship 4. Common festivals 5. Priesthood - its Nature and Caste Character 6. Other religious functionaries - its nature and their caste character. 7. Form of administration of these temples 8. Properties and other forms of wealth of these temples - and their beneficiaries 9. Nature of Dalit participation in all this Concluding Remarks
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