"The Open Door to the Hidden Paganism: A Truthful Account of Life and Customs, as well as Religion and Worship of the Brahmins at Coromandel Coast and Surrounding Countries" is a book by British missionary Joseph Taylor, published in the early 19th century. The work is an ethnographic and religious study focusing on the Brahmins, a prominent priestly caste in Hindu society, particularly in the Coromandel Coast region of India.Brief Overview:Purpose: The book aims to provide a detailed and critical examination of Brahmin life, customs, and religious practices. Taylor, as a missionary, sought to document and critique what he saw as the hidden or "pagan" elements of Brahmin religion and culture.Content: Taylor's account is divided into sections that explore various aspects of Brahmin life, including their religious rituals, social structure, and daily customs. He provides descriptions of their worship practices, ceremonies, and the role of Brahmins in their communities.Perspective: The book reflects the missionary perspective of its time, characterized by a critical view of Hindu practices and an emphasis on the differences between Hinduism and Christianity. Taylor's observations were intended to highlight what he perceived as the moral and spiritual deficiencies of Brahmin religion.Significance: While the book offers valuable ethnographic insights into Brahmin society and the Coromandel Coast region, it is also a product of its time, shaped by the colonial and missionary attitudes of the 19th century. As such, it must be read with an understanding of its historical and cultural context.Overall, "The Open Door to the Hidden Paganism" provides a window into the religious and social dynamics of the Brahmins from a missionary perspective, contributing to the broader discourse on colonial encounters with Indian cultures.

The Open Door to the Hidden Paganism: A Truthful Account of Life and Customs, as well as Religion and Worship of the Brahmins at Coromandel Coast and Surrounding Countries" is a work by the British missionary and writer, Joseph Taylor. Published in the early 19th century, this book provides an in-depth exploration of the customs, beliefs, and daily lives of Brahmins in the Coromandel Coast region of India.The table of contents for such a book typically would cover various aspects of the Brahmins' lives and their practices. While I don't have the exact table of contents, a typical structure for this type of book might look like:IntroductionPurpose of the Study Overview of the Coromandel Coast Region Historical and Cultural BackgroundHistorical Context of the Brahmins Cultural Significance of the Coromandel Coast Religious Beliefs and PracticesOverview of Brahmin Religion Major Deities and Worship Practices Rituals and Festivals Social Structure and CustomsThe Role of Brahmins in Society Daily Life and Social Duties Marriage and Family Customs Education and LearningTraditional Brahmin Education Sacred Texts and Scholarly Practices Interactions with Other CommunitiesRelations with Other Hindu Castes Contact with Colonial and Missionary Figures Observations and ReflectionsPersonal Observations of Daily Life Reflections on Cultural Differences ConclusionSummary of Findings Implications for Understanding Brahmin Society AppendicesAdditional Documents and Illustrations Glossary of Terms Index