Dalit Theology2

EMERGENCE OF DALIT THEOLOGY : M. M. NINAN
The Vamana asked for a simple gift — three paces of land — and the king agreed to it. Vishnu in the
guise of Vamana then increased his stature and with the first step covered the sky, blotting out the stars,
and with the second, straddled the netherworld. Realising that Vamana's third step will destroy the earth,
Mahabali offered his head as the last step so that the earth may be spared.
Vishnu's fatal third step pushed him to the netherworld, but before banishing him to the underworld
Mahabali asked for a final wish to grant him permission to return once a year from exile. Onam is the
celebration that marks the homecoming of King Mahabali. It is the day when a grateful Kerala pays a
glorious tribute to the memory of this benign king who gave his all for his subjects.
Onam is the only festival that is celebrated by Christians, Hindus and all the castes without a difference.
Hindus celebrate as a victory. Others look forward to the final return of Mahabali to re-establish the
glorious Kingdom.
This is how the rule under Mahabali is described:
"Maveli Nadu Vanidum Kalam
Manusharellarum Onnupole
Amodathode vasikum kalam
apathangarkumottilla thanum
Adhikal Vyadhikal Onnumilla
Bala maranangal Kelkanilla
Kallavumilla Chathivumilla
Ellolamilla Poli Vachanam
Kallaparyum Cheru Nazhiyum
Kallatharangal mattonumilla”
It translates as:
' When Maveli, our King, ruled the land,
All the people were as One.
And people live joyful and merry;
They were all free from harm.
There was neither anxiety nor sickness,
Death of the children were never even heard of,
There were no lies,
There is neither theft nor deceit,
And no one is false in speech either.
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