This book studies the interlinking of religious, social and political identities in modern Tamil Nadu. Through interviews with non-brahmin srivaisnavas of many castes, but especially belonging to the lower-caste groups, it analyses their histories of discrimination, their negotiation of lived realities, and hopes for the future. The interviews all refer to the history of Srivaisnavism, an historically important Hindu sect in the region, the religion’s theology of caste inclusiveness, and history of Brahmin leadership exclusiveness. In addition, the author also addresses colonial changes, Telugu connecting, the non-brahmin movement, Dalit Mobilisation, post-Independence caste hierarchies, government policies, party politics, Brahmin reactions, Court cases, and inter-religious competition.