INTERCASTE MARRIAGE IN THE CONTEXT OF TORAJA: Towards Contextual Theology Of Intercaste Marriage In Toraja

Abstract

Intercaste marriage has been a perpetual problem faced by many, especially those who are coming from the hindus areas like India, where caste system has been part of the society. Hence, the term caste used here may not be familiar for the Toraja people, as in Toraja it is known as Tana’, a term that literally means stick or peg, actually used to mark a boundary in the rice field or of a land. However, it is also used metaphorically, that is to divide layers in society according to the appropriate level.[1] According to the Encyclopedia of Anthropology, the term caste comes from the Portugese casta (bread, lineage), and was coined by Portugese travellers to India in reference to the social, economic and religious systems they witnessed.[2] Meanwhile, according to Oxford Dictionary, the term refers to any of the Hindu social classes, a social system based on differences in family origin, rank, wealth, etc., Therefore, I insist to use it here for its parity when used in Toraja context (with its differences in society).