Available online
Description
This film illustrates how members of lower castes improve their status by means of sect. Specifically the film shows members of the untouchable leatherworking caste, the camars who formed themselv...es into a sect as followers of the medieval Saint-Poet Ravidass. Simon Weightman, Lecturer In Hindi, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London introduces the programme which shows the followers of Guru Ravidass at Worship one Sunday in their Birmingham temple. The commentary is by one of their number, Santa Singh of the Guru Ravidass Cultural Association, Birmingham.
This film illustrates how members of lower castes improve their status by means of sect. Specifically the film shows members of the untouchable leatherworking caste, the camars who formed themselv...es into a sect as followers of the medieval Saint-Poet Ravidass. Simon Weightman, Lecturer In Hindi, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London introduces the programme which shows the followers of Guru Ravidass at Worship one Sunday in their Birmingham temple. The commentary is by one of their number, Santa Singh of the Guru Ravidass Cultural Association, Birmingham.
| Module code and title: | AD208, Man's religious quest |
|---|---|
| Item code: | AD208; 11 |
| First transmission date: | 04-03-1978 |
| Published: | 1978 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Richard Callanan |
| Contributors: | Santa Singh; S. C. R. Weightman |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Camars; Hindu religion; Leatherworking caste; Ravidasis |
| Footage description: | Weightman introduces the programme from the studio. He outlines the beliefs of the Ravida and describes their relatively recent rise in caste status. The rest of the programme is narrated by one of the Birmingham Ravidasis, Santa Singh. In interview Singh states the aims of his fell untouchables. Over shots of musicians and congregation at the Handsworth Ravidasi Temple Singh describes their veneration of Guru Ravid. Ji, whose portrait is seen. He also describes the religious descrimination they suffered as untouchables in India. Film of a priest chanting from the Holy Book Guru Granth Sahib while people assemble in theTemple. Singh explains what is happening in voice over. He also compares Ravidasis with Sikhs and Brahmins. Film of the Handsworth Ravidasis performing the ceremony of the lights (Arti). The congregation chant, ring bells and blow a conch shell. Singh provides a commentary over. Over film of the congregation donating money Singh describes how they bought an old congregational church. Film of prasad being distributeted to the congregation. Singh explains the significance of this holy food. Films of musicians singing the hymns of Guru Ravidass Ji. Shots of people in the Temple. Members of the Guru Ravidass Cultural Association are seen presenting a gift to a retiring police liasion officer. These speeches follow the religious service in the Handsworth Temple. Shots of professional musicians and singers and of the Temple congregation. Film of women preparing food in the Temple's kitchen. Singh explains the importance of eating together. Further shots of musicians, over which Singh summarises the achievements made by untouchables since the formation of the sect of Guru Ravidass Ji. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/72673 |
| Production number: | 00525_3432 |
| Videofinder number: | 3602 |
| Available to public: | no |
