Christianity Quote by Arundhati Roy
““it could be argued that it actually began thousands of years ago. Long before the Marxists came. Before the British took Malabar, before the Dutch Ascendency, before Vasco da Gama arrived, before the Zamorin’s conquest of Calicut. Before three purple-robed Syrian Bishops murdered by the Portuguese were found floating in the sea, with coiled sea serpents riding on their chests and oysters knotted in their tangled beards. It could be argued that it began long before Christianity arrived in a boat and seeped into Kerala like tea from a teabag. That it really began in the days when the Love Laws were made. The laws that lay down who should be loved, and how. And how much. HOWEVER, for practical purposes, in a hopelessly practical world . .””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The God of Small Things, 1997
The quote traces the deep historical roots of Kerala’s social structures, predating colonial and religious influences, and suggests that love‑based laws shaped society long before external forces arrived.
In simple terms: Kerala’s love rules predate colonizers and Christianity.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how ancient customs still influence modern life.
Themes
history
colonialism
social norms
law
love
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy analysis
- community dialogue
- heritage preservation
Key Concepts
cultural continuity
power dynamics
identity formation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do ancient love laws affect today’s social relations?
- What other forces have shaped Kerala’s identity?
A Different Perspective
It may oversimplify complex histories into a single narrative.
