This book provides analysis of a variety of biblical narratives and texts which are the vehicle for the expression, articulation and performance of diverse identities in the Indian context. From pan Indian social problems attributable to caste, class and gender inequality, to specific North Eastern tribal settings, to Dalit struggles in rural Andhra Pradesh, to the experience of Christian autorickshaw drivers in urban Chennai, the book explores the diverse geographical, cultural, social, economic and linguistic settings in which the Bible is encountered. A holistic approach to Biblical studies broadens the field—beyond textual exegesis. Encounters with the Bible are revealed in diverse chapters—impacted by contexts of caste realities, the history of Indian Christianity, colonial and post-colonial frameworks, educational institutions, cultural, folk tale, literary and auto/biographical narratives in tribal and Dalit settings. Diversity of method is championed including sociological analysis of Indian social realities, qualitative field work techniques and a kaleidoscope of visual and sensory environments with over 30 photographs. The book celebrates and promotes diversity in Indian biblical studies, creativity and sometimes conflicting perspectives—the Bible is an open book and interpretation cannot be prematurely closed off and fixed. If A Biblical Masala encourages others whose voices and experiences are not captured or addressed to engage in their own exegesis and record their encounters with the biblical literature then we will have fulfilled our aim. Contents Preface Acknowledgements Contributors A Biblical Masala: An Orientation to Our Book / David J. Chalcraft (Liverpool) Section One Historical Episodes of Biblical Studies in India from a British Perspective Section Two Readings with a Social Conscience Section Three Dalit/Madiga Hermeneutics Section Four Tribal Hermeneutics Section Five An Empirical Turn? The (Visual) Ethnography of Biblical Encounter