[srean]

You raise good points to debate on and really appreciate the non politicized discussion. I cant speak for you but it seems that we might end up agreeing that the beef eating question has nuances and not a open and shut case.

Regarding the Puranas, Mahabharata, and Ramayana being guides, I have reasons to be cynical. People are guided by what people tell them what they are supposed to do and feel as a Hindu. Often by people who have axes to grind.

I am curious to know about your opinion on beef eating practices of Kerala Hindus including Brahmins (or Pandits if you like although that would be a rather unusual phrase to use in this context). Some start hyperventilating that its all Muslim influence, or the influence of European colonizers.

[jaldhar]

FWIW I'm Gujarati so I really couldn't say. All the Keralites I've met have been vegetarians but its a small sample.