Facets of India’s Christian Legacy

Book excerpt: This volume of essays and papers by well-known encyclopaedist, historian, museologist, and anthropologist Prof. George Menachery, investigates various aspects of the heritage of Indian Christians in the light of the latest discoveries and findings in archaeology, epigraphy, demography, and geology. Controversies concerning the sojourn of Apostle Thomas in the north, south-east, and south-west India are discussed giving due weight to the documents that have surfaced representing almost every century, every language, and every church - both occidental and oriental. The spread of the Catholic Church in India, as represented by the major missionary thrust of Francis Xavier and the Jesuits, is subjected to scrutiny. The Protestant pioneers and the evangelical achievements from Tranquebar to the Sepoy Mutiny are dealt with in detail. A distinctive feature of the book is the original facts brought out on Christian art, architecture, customs, and manners both of the Thomas Christians and the Christians of other denominations and areas. The author’s intimate association with Christianity in Kerala, the Konkan, the Deccan, Bengal, and the Tribal belts is reflected in these writings. A trailblazing scholar and reformer, the author’s latest is a stirring nostalgic voyage of discovery. With its engaging style, it assures a riveting read.