当代印度南部婆罗门状况的个案分析——以奈保尔《印度:百万叛变的今天》为例

An Analysis of the Present Situation of Brahman in South India——Taking the Example of "India: A Million Mutinies Now" by Naipaul

当代印度社会正发生着极大的变动,社会各阶层都在极力维护固有地位和宗教传统的稳定,并极力在这种变动中争取着自身社会利益的最大化。其中,南印度婆罗门种姓在逐步丧失传统的各项特权和优势地位的同时,也在努力适应、应对当代社会的新变化和新挑战。英国作家V.S.奈保尔的《印度:百万叛变的今天》一书提供了较为翔实、客观的口述史资料。以书中生活在孟买、班加罗尔、马德拉斯、加尔各达等南印度城市中的当代婆罗门阶层作为个案,可探究出其面对传统社会生活中的各个层面发生变动时的态度与应对及个体内在的深层原因,并在一定程度上考察社会变动与文化传统之间的互动关系。

Drastic changes are taking place in Indian society in which every social stratum makes great efforts to maintain its intrinsic position and religious traditions as well as gain the largest profit. Gradually losing traditional previleges and superiority, Brahman, one of the castes in south India tries to adapt itself to the great change and challenge in current society. In his book India： A Million Mutinies Now,Naipaul, one of British writers, gives objective and detailed description about attitude, countermeasures of Brahman class in some cities in south India against the great changes of traditional society which also indicates the interrelationship between social change and cultural tradition.