Early Christian Presence in Cheranadu
Jewish Roots and Trade Relations
Before the birth of Christ, vibrant trade relations flourished between the Chera kingdom and Jewish merchants. Historical evidence confirms a significant Jewish presence in Kodungallur, located in present-day Kerala. The kings of that era held sovereign authority over trade, granting permissions and managing commercial activities.
Arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle
In 52 C.E., St. Thomas, one of Jesus Christ’s beloved disciples, arrived by sea in Cheranadu—then a Tamil-speaking region—specifically at Kodungallur. Tradition holds that he came with Jewish relatives, embedding his mission within a familiar cultural and religious context.
A sacred family record preserved in Palayur, Kerala, testifies to the initial impact of St. Thomas’s mission. Within six months, he is said to have converted the local emperor, forty Jews, and 400 non-Jews to Christianity. Furthermore, Jewish inscriptions from 68 C.E. discovered in Kodungallur reference a Christian community already in existence, further supporting the early success of his evangelization.
Apostolic Legacy and Church Foundations
Ordination and Early Church Establishment
A Syriac text titled The Teaching of the Apostles, written before 250 C.E., notes that St. Thomas ordained priests in India and the surrounding regions, establishing churches and serving as their patron. The Reformed Church’s book Nan affirms strong historical support for St. Peter’s martyrdom in Rome and, equally, for St. Thomas’s martyrdom in India.
St. Thomas’s missionary efforts led to the founding of seven churches—commonly referred to as the “Seven and a Half Churches”—in Maliyankara, Palayur, Kottaikakavu, Kokkamangalam, Kollam, Niranam, and Nilakkal. The “half church” signifies a smaller or incomplete chapel, further reflecting the Apostle’s widespread ministry.
Evangelization in Kanyakumari
St. Thomas also journeyed to the Kanyakumari district of Travancore, where he contributed to the construction of an early Christian temple. The presence of a baptismal pond and tabernacle in this church reflects early Christian architectural elements. One site, Thommai Palli in Kumari Muttam, is believed to have been established by St. Thomas himself. A 1494 inscription found at the location supports the claim that the church predates the Portuguese arrival in 1498.
Christian Identity Before Colonial Influence
Syrian Christian Tradition
Christianity was firmly established in Cheranadu long before it gained formal recognition in Rome and other parts of Europe. The early Christians, who celebrated Mass in Syriac, came to be known as Syrian Christians or Tomayar Christians—followers of St. Thomas.
The historical writings of Niccolò de' Conti and preserved records in Goa affirm the vibrant presence of Christianity in India prior to Portuguese influence. According to Nagamayyā’s 1439 historical record of Travancore, Christianity had already spread from Kochi to Kanyakumari.
Colonial Encounters and Missionary Expansion
Portuguese Arrival and Ecclesiastical Reorganization
With the advent of maritime trade via Cape Kumari in 1498, the Portuguese began to influence the Christian community. In 1533, Pope Paul III established the Diocese of Goa to oversee the Christian missions in southern India.
During this period, the parish priest of Kochi and four other priests baptized 20,000 people, catalyzing the growth of Christianity in coastal regions such as Kanyakumari, Kovalam, and Rajakamangalam.
St. Francis Xavier’s Missionary Journey
In 1542, St. Francis Xavier arrived in India, retracing the steps of St. Thomas. He carried out extensive missionary work in Travancore and resided in Veynadu. In 1544, he famously defended Vadacherry from the invading Vadugar force, a place where a church still stands in his memory.
St. Xavier is credited with converting approximately 30,000 individuals across southern coastal villages, including Poovar, Kollancode, Vallavilai, Tengaipattanam, Inayam, Midalam, Vaniyakudi, Colachal, Kadiyapattanam, Pallam, and Muttam. By 1557, the Diocese of Cochin had jurisdiction over Travancore, supporting these growing communities.
Adversity and Restoration
Solar Eclipse and Destruction of Churches
In 1604, a solar eclipse was misinterpreted as divine displeasure by a local king, who then ordered the destruction of 40 churches. Only the church at Kottar survived the onslaught. A Jesuit missionary, Andrea Puserio Swami, intervened with the monarch, explaining the natural phenomenon and securing permission and resources to rebuild the destroyed churches.
New Missions and Social Transformation
18th and 19th Century Evangelization
A new phase of missionary activity began in 1708 with the establishment of the Nemam mission, which extended to Vadakkankulam. Christianity also spread to Attoor, Eraniel, and other areas in Travancore.
In the 19th century, missionaries like Ringle Tobe (1806) in Mayiladi and Mead (1818) played pivotal roles in spiritual and educational outreach. Their efforts were particularly impactful among marginalized communities, many of whom embraced Christianity and rose to become leaders in society.
Faith Amidst Social Injustice
Witness of Devasahayam Pillai
Despite centuries of Christian tradition, caste distinctions persisted during the time of Blessed Devasahayam Pillai. After his conversion, Devasahayam witnessed the moral and ethical failures of the ruling class and openly condemned the injustice. His boldness in confronting corruption and caste-based oppression echoed the apostolic courage of St. Thomas and the missionary zeal of St. Francis Xavier.
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