MUTTUCHIRA SLIVA AND LITHIC INSCRIPTIONS- LANDMARK MONUMENTS OF SAINT THOMAS CHRISTIANS OF INDIA.

This paper has been published in the journal ‘The Harp, a review of Syriac, Oriental and Ecumenical Studies’. Citation details- M T Antony, Muttuchira Sliva and Lithic Inscriptions- Landmark Monuments of Saint Thomas Christians of India, The Harp, Vol XXX 2015, Saint Ephrem Ecumenical Research Institute, SEERI, Kerala, India.

 

 

 

Author : Dr. Martin Thomas Antony

The ancient Christians of the Malabar Coast of India are known as the Saint Thomas Christians. They are also known locally as ‘The Nasranis’. They were ecclesiastically connected to the Church of the East, also known as the East Syrian Church which at its peak extended from Mesopotamia to China through Arabia, India and Central Asia.. The Eastern Church was separated from the rest of the Christendom from time of  the Synod of Ephesus. This was mainly due to political reasons but  doctrinal differences like ‘Nestorianism’ was also accused on the Eastern Church. The so called ‘Nestorianism’ seems to be a misunderstanding due to the expression of the faith using certain ambiguous terms in the Greek language. Dr Adrian Fortescue writes ‘we saw that Greek words used in the Nestorian controversy are sometimes ambiguous and add to the confusion by the fact that we are not always sure what the people who use them mean .’ (( [i] ADRIAN FORTESCUE, The Lesser Eastern Churches,p 84. Even though Fortescue does not accept that the accusation of nestorianism  on nestorius and his party was not correct but admit that there was significant contraversy related to the Greek language terms and phrases that were translated into syriac where the y used  more or less the equivalents in Syriac. (All Nestorians say there are two knume in our Lord. That is their formula : two kydne, two knume, one parsufd. The question, then (just as in the case of hypostasis) , is what they mean by their knuma. If it means merely a real, individual nature (as opposed to a universal concept) , they agree with us ; if it means what we mean by  person, their phrase  two knume  is pure Nestorianism).))

With the works of Babai, the Great of 6th century (( [ii] JOHN THOPPIL,,Christology in the East Syrian Tradition, in East Syrian Theology, an Introduction, Ed Pauly Maniattu, pp261-162)) and  the visit of Patriarch Ishoyahb II (628-643 AD) to Antioch in the 7th century (( [iii] W.A.WIGRAM, An introduction to the History of Assyrian Church, 1910, LONDON, p 97. Patriarch Iso yahb II (628-643 AD) in Antioch made  the following appellation of the faith of the Church of the East that  ‘our belief in a Christ who, as Perfect Man, was consubstantial with us; – and who, as Perfect God, was consubstantial with the Father, in one “Personalitas”)) , the doctrinal differences became  reconciled, but due to geographical and political reasons, the Church of the East continued to be alienated from the rest of the Christendom.

Interference with the Christianity of the West

With the Crusades in the medieval period, the Churches in the East caught attention of  the Religio political interests of the European Christianity.  Missionaries from the Europe were sent to Babylon and the rest of the East. Their tactic was to begin a friendly relationship with the native Churches and then subjugate them. This resulted in divisions and revolts.  Eventually, in Babylon, the Church of the East( The East Syrian Church) was divided into the Chaldean and Assyrian Churches whereas in Malabar, India, the Church of Saint Thomas Christians divided into several fragments due to the interference of multiple colonial forces.

The ancient Church at Muttuchira in South India  portrays certain landmark monuments describing the early friendly phase and the  later subjugation phase of these relationship- the Muttuchira inscriptions and the Muttuchira Sliva.

Muttuchira

Muttuchira is a village in the Kottayam District located  in the South Indian State of Kerala. Muttuchira was called Nayappalli  in ancient records (( [iv] T K JOSEPH, letter dated 03/10/1926 cited in H Hosten, Antiquities of Sam Thome and Mailappore, p348. Antonio Gouvea uses both terms ‘Nagapilli and Ignapilli/Ignaperi  in his Jornada. Rev Dr Pius Malekandathil explains that field study confirms a small bridge nearby is still called Nagpili bridge. Rev Dr Pius identifies Ignapilli as Elanji using the method of phonetic corroboration.Ignapilli is Ijna pilli, Ijni or Ejni could be  an abreviation of Elanji. But Gouvea states it was Ignapilli where Cathanar Jacob, the Vicar General of Mar Simon, the schismatic Bishop lived  which was actually  Muttuchira. Also,  the Church in Ignapilli was dedicated to Holy Spirit which is Muttuchira, not Elanji unless the Church in Elanji changed its name later. Therefore, the name Ignapili used by Gouvea could be Muttuchira itself. Jornada also give approximate distances. On the first visit to Muttuchira from Kaduthuruthy, Gouvea says almost half a league . On the second visit, Archbishop Menezes visited Ignapilli from Kuravilangadu and from Ignapilli, he went to Kaduthuruthy which Gouvea states almost a league away. These are approximate distances, but Elanji seems more far away. Muttuchira to Kaduthuruthy is only 2 km while Elanji is about 14 Km away from Muttuchira.)) . According to local tradition, the Christian settlement of Muttuchira was established in the sixth century. ((  [v] Rev Dr XAVIER KOODAPUZHA, Mar Thoma Nasrani sabha Vijnana Kosham (Malayalam book), Oriental Institute of religious studies, Vadavathoor, Kottayam, 1999, p 752 )) Antonio Gouvea, the Portuguese traveller who accompanied Alexis De Menezes, the Archbishop of Goa, documented  Menezes’ visit of  Muttuchira in AD 1599. Gouvea used the term Nayapili to denote Muttuchira. (( [vi] PIUS  MALEKKANDATHIL, Jornada of Dom Alexis De Menezes:A Portuguese Account of the Sixteenth Century Malabar, LRC Publication Cochin,2003, p 198, 438. )) In the British Museum Sloanne MS 9907, probably written in around 1676 AD, mentions Muttuchira Church as “the Church of ‘Spiritu Sancto’ (Latin word for Holy Spirit) with the following villages and bazars annexed: Coddi heli, Param poram, Perium paddy, Tanara chera, Cheri Omellur, May mure, Nin dure , Herle nelha cara” (( [vii] H HOSTEN,  Antiquities of Sam Thome and Mailappore,1936, p 347 British Museum Sloane MS 9907 fol 17v 18r-18 v1 )) .

These places have been identified as  Kulavely, Parampram, Thiruvanpady, Thamarachira, Cheriomelloor, Memury, Neendoor,  and Eravimamngalakkara (( [viii] H HOSTEN, Opus cit p 348. These pleases have been identified by Mr T K Joseph with the help of Mr Karottu C George. Coddi heli could be Kulaveli-a small track of land comprising the Christian street in Muttuchira. Kulaveli has become a family name also.

Pram poram could be Parampram- a village east of Muttuchira street.

Perium paddy could be Tiruvampady, a village a mile north of Muttuchira.

Tanara chera could be Thamarachira, a village south of Muttuchira.

Cheri Omellur could be Cheriomelloor usually called Omellur, a village 2 miles south east of Muttuchira.

May mure could be Memury, is 3 miles south of Muttuchira, near Manvettom.

Nin dure could be Neendoor, 2 miles south east of Memury.

Herle nelha cara could be Erennalakara- Eravi mangalakara )) .

Johannes Facundus Raulin ((  [ix] JOANNES FUCUNDUS RAULIN, Raulin Historis Ecclesiae Malabaricae cum Diamperitana Synodo, Rome, 1745,p 428 cited by PIUS MELEKKANDATHIL, Jornada of Dom Alexis De Menesis: A Portuguese Account of the Sixteenth Century Malabar, LRC Publications Cochin, 2003 p 199 )) in 1740s in his book ‘Historia Ecclesia Malabaricae’  uses the term Muttieri. Anquetil Du Perron, a French Scholar and Orientalist  in January 1758, mentions about the Catholic church of Holy Ghost at Muttiera and its oratory of Saint Sebastian had been burnt by the Raja of Travancore (( [x] ANQUETIL DU PERRON, Zend Avesta, t1, pt1, Paris 1771, p clxxxxvi cited by H Hosten, Antiquities of Sam Thome and Mailappore, p348. )) . Local tradition mentions that  the Church was attacked by the parchave or Padshaw.  Paulinus De Bartholomew, an Austrian Missionary and an orientalist who was in Kerala during  1774-1789 period also mentions about the Holy Ghost Church of Muttiera and the oratory of Saint Sebastian. (( [xi] PAULINUS DE BARTHOLOMEW,  India Orientalis Christiana, Roma, 1794,p 267.cited by PIUS MALEKKANDATHIL, Jornada of Dom Alexis De Menesis: A Portuguese Account of the Sixteenth Century Malabar, LRC Publications Cochin, 2003 p 199 ))

The Churches of Muttuchira

Muttuchira village has several churches. The main church of Muttuchira, the Ruha D’Qudisha  Forane Church compound has two church buildings face to face with the Open air Rock Cross in the middle. The Church on the western side of the open air Cross is the main church now. It was built in AD 1854-58 (Kollam Era 1930-1033) (( [xii] H HOSTEN Opus cit p351 citing Rev Fr JOSEPH PEEDIYEKKAL, letter dated 02/11/1925 )) when Rev Fr Kurian Parampil was the vicar.(1859-85). ((  [xiii] XAVIER KOODAPUZHA, Opus cit p 752 ))

The Church on the eastern side is the old church which was also called Ruha D’ Qudisha church but later, in AD 1925, it was renamed as Church of Saint Francis of Assissi. It was from this church, the Pahlavi inscribed Granite Cross was discovered in AD 1923 during  renovation. This Church was probably built in AD 1528 by Mar Denha and Mar Jacob Abuna (Mar Avu) based on the Muttuchira Lithic inscriptions.

Another Church located on north side of the road is called ‘karottu church’- Church of Saint Sebastian, also called ‘prasu palli’ with a small open air Rock Cross in front. A little away on the eastern side of all these Churches, there is an ancient open air Rock cross and a Chapel of Saint Anthony. There was an ancient Church in the same location dedicated to Mar Sliva ( Holy Cross).

There is a Chapel of Saint Teresa on the western side of the main church complex near the road.

Muttuchira Church is historically important. Archdeacon Jacob of Muttuchira was a native of Muttuchira and was based in this church until his death. He was buried in the Church of Saint Francis of Assissi. He was appointed as Archdeacon by Mar Simon, the  Chaldean Bishop who arrived in Malabar in  1576 AD (( [xiv] JOSEPH THEKKEDATHU, History of Christianity in India Vol II p 50 citing a letter of Fr Dionysio S J dated 23 January 1577, Josephus Wicki, Documenta Indiaca, X p 834., )) during the time of Mar Abraham, as a rival. Mar Simon was sent to Rome but Archdeacon Jacob had followers until his death in 1596. (( [xv] JOSEPH THEKKEDATHU, opus cit p51 citing Gueseppe Beltrami, La Chiesa caldea p 91 ))

Bishop Chandy Parambil (Palliveettil Chandy Metran) celebrated his first Pontifical Mass at Muttuchira Church in AD 1663. (( [xvi]BERNARD  THOMAS, Keralathile Mar Thoma Christianikal, vol II, Mannanam, 1921,malayalam,p 117.  It was on the third day of his Episcopal consecration which was on 01 February 1663. ))

Saint Alphonsa of India spent her early years in Muttuchira parish (( [xvii] JAMES PULIURUMPIL, The Early Christian Settlements in Kerala, p158 )) . Saint Alphonsa of India was brought up in her mother’s house, the  Muricken family  of  Muttuchira.

Archdeacon Jacob of Muttuchira

In 1576 AD, Mar Simon, a Bishop from Babylon arrived in Kerala (( [xviii] JOSEPH THEKKEDATHU, opus cit p 50 citing a letter of Fr Dionysio dted 23 January 1577 in JOSEPH WICKY, Documenta Indica, x P 834. )) as a rival to Mar Abraham, the Chaldean Catholic Bishop who was in Kerala already (( [xix] Mar Abraham received  pallium from Pope Pius IV as Archbishop of Angamali. In 1555 AD, the then Chaldean catholic Patriarch mar Abdisho , the legitimate Canonical head of the saint Thomas Christians of Malabar sent two Bishiops to malabar- mar Joseph Sulaka and Mar Elias, the Apostolic visitor of the Chaldean Catholic Patriarch in malabar alongwith two Maltese Dominicns Bishop Ambrose Buttigeg, the Papal Nuncio for the East and Fr Anthony sahara. Even with the presence of the Papal Nuncio, the group was arrested by the Portuguese in Goa in November 1555  and the two Chaldean Bishops kept in detention in a Franciscan Monastery in Bassein, near Bombay. With the intervention of the Papal Nuncio, the Bishops were set free in 1558 AD. By this time, mar Abdisho, the Chaldean cathol.ic patriarch sent mar Abraham to Kerala who arrived in 1557 AD. Later, Mar Abraham was arrested in 1558, deported to Lisbon but on the way, when the ship anchored in Mozambique, he escaped and arrived in Mosul .Later, Mar Joseph was also arrested by 1562 AD and sent to Portugal. He was cleared all the accusations on him by Cardinal Hernry in Lisbon and returned to Kerala. Again in 1567, mar Joseph was arrested and sent to Rome in 1568  to test his orthodoxy. In rome, he was cleared again but died in Rome in 1569. Mar Abdisho, the Chaldean catholic Patriarch sent Mar Abraham again to Kerala, but through Rome from where, he received his pallium and three recommendation letters from Pope Pius IV to 1 Chaldean Catholic Patriarch, 2 Archbishop of Goa and 3 Bishop of Cochin. In these three letters, Pope Pius IV explicitly and unambiguously confirms the jurisdiction of the Chaldean catholic Patriarch over the saint Thomas Christians of Malabar. The Pope advised the Chaldean Patriarch to divide  the Saint Thomas Christians of Malabar into two  dioceses and appoint Mar Abraham as the Archbishop of Angamali. The Pope also advised Archbishop of Goa and Bishop of Cochin that Chaldean Catholic Patriarch is in full communion with the Pope and warned the Archbishop of Goa  it will be detrimental to the Pope himself and the Apostolic See , if he would hinder the jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Chaldeans in Malabar.( Rev Dr Paul Pallathu, Were the Saint Thomas ChristiansNestorians at the time of the Synod of Diamper in 1599?, Ephrem’s theological Journal, Vol 5 March 2001 pp35-70. )) .Mar Simon was based at Kaduthuruthy and caused a schism among the Thomas Christians. As Mar Abraham had already made certain latinisations, many Christians followed Mar Simon. Two Franciscan Missionaries who  arrived from Malacca and Macao in 1583 AD,  tactically collaborated with Mar Simon and  sent him  to Rome (( [xx] JAMES HOUGH, The History of Christianity in India vol I p 286 )) . It has been documented that Mar Simon, accompanied by a Franciscan missionary arrived in Rome in December 1584 (( [xxi] JOSEPH THEKKEDATHU, opus cit p 51 citing Fr Achilles Meersman, The Ancient Franciscan Provinces in India 1500-1835,  1971 p 302 )) . He was sent to Lisbon and kept in a Franciscan Friary and died in 1599AD (( [xxii] JOSEPH THEKKEDATHU opus cit p 51 )) . Before he left to Rome, Mar Simon appointed Cathanar Jacob of Muttuchira as his Archdeacon. Cathanar Jacob was of Nadackal family (( [xxiii] H HOSTEN, opus cit p 352 citing letters from Mr T K Joseph and letter dated 02/11/1926 of Rev Fr Peediyekal, a former vicar of Muttuchira Church.

JAMES HOUGH,History of Christianity in India vol I  p 420 )) . It was this Cathanar Jacob who built the old Church of Ruha D’ Qudisha which was renamed as the Church of Saint Francis of Assissi and the Church of Saint Sebastian in Muttuchira.

Paul J Madathil, a local journalist during the period 1925 AD gives a different version, based on the local tradition that Fr Jacob, who was an administrator of a diocese in France or Portugal built these churches. It has to be noted that even when Mar Simon was in custody in Portugal, he was in constant touch with Cathanar Jacob through letters in which Mar Simon styled himself as the Metropolitan of India (( [xxiv] JAMES HOUGH Opus cit p 287. These letters were found by Archbishop Alexis De Menesis and sent to the General inquisition of Portugal. )) . Archdeacon Jacob maintained his authority even when Mar Simon was in Lisbon. He refused to accept the Gregorian Calendar, taught his followers to recite the Chaldean Divine Office, consecrated altars, chalices etc (( [xxv] JACOB KOLLAMPARAMBIL, Archdeacon of All India, 1972, p96.  It has to be noted that Chaldean Pontifical allows Archdeacon to consecrate altars without using Holy oils.)) . Thus, Cathanar Jacob was an Archdeacon/administrator of Mar Simon who was in Lisbon and received regular letters and instructions from Lisbon. This might be the reason why people later assumed  that he was an Archdeacon/administrator of a Bishop/diocese in Portugal.

Archdeacon Jacob refused to accept Mar Abraham and continued his activities to uphold the Chaldean way of life. Archbishop Menezes wrote to him that Mar Simon has been convicted in Rome and not in his orders now, asking Archdeacon Jacob to submit to the Papal authority and even offered large promises and favours. (( [xxvi] JAMES HOUGH, Opus cit p 294-295)) Archdeacon Jacob died in AD 1596. (( [xxvii] JACOB KOLLAMPARAMBIL, Opus cit p 96 citing Antonio Gouvea, Jornada do Arcebishopo de Goa….Coimbra, 1606, ff 9v-11v ))

Paul J Madathil,  based on the local traditions, comments  that Cathanaar Jacob built the Saint Sebastian’s Church- the Prasu Church of Muttuchira and   rebuilt the old Church of Ruha D’ Qudisha (the Church of Saint Francis of Assissi). Besides, he also built Churches at Kothanalloor, Elanji, and another local Church. Paul J Madathil also confirms the local tradition that Cathanar Jacob was buried in the Church of Saint Francis of Assissi. This information has been confirmed by Mr Karottu C George, a local historian and a Headmaster at Muttuchira in 1925 AD. (( [xxviii] H HOSTEN, Opus cit p 352. Paul Madathil wrote an article in the vernacular News Paper Malyala manorama ‘Muttuchira and its Persian Cross’. ))

Muttuchira Lithic inscriptions

Muttuchira lithic inscriptions are  early Malayalam inscriptions- Vattezhuthu- Nanam Monum- on a granite tablet found in Muttuchira. The ‘Muttuchira inscriptions’ are inscriptions  narrating about the installation of  the free standing Cross and the Pahlavi inscribed bas relief cross-The ‘Muttuchira Sliva’. The inscriptions are on a rectangular granite slab in two sections divided by a vertical line in between. According to Mr T K Joseph (( [xxix] Mr T K Joseph was an eminent historian and a versatile scholar and teacher. He was the secretary of the Kerala Society that was founded in 1927 by the scholars in Trivandrum modelled on the Royal Asiatic Society. He has published several articles and books and was the Editor of the prestigious journal ‘Kerala Society Papers’ which is a vauable resource for students, researchers and scholars. )) , this inscription must be of AD1581 or later. This tablet has been the subject of extensive research by many scholars. This granite slab  was found  on the western wall of the ground floor room of the two storey building attached to the northern side of the old Church of the Holy Ghost. The upper story was used as the Priest’s Home and the ground floor was used as the sacristy. (( [xxx] Letter of Rev Fr Joseph Peediyekkal dated 02/11/1926 addressedd to Rev Henry Hosten SJ, cited in Antiquities of sam Thome and Mailappore, H Hosten, 1936 p350 foot note 2 ))

T K Joseph

Mr T K Joseph was an eminent historian and was the Secretary of the Kerala Society that was formed modelled on the Royal Asiatic Society.

Mr T K Joseph examined the inscription on 25 September 1929. (( [xxxi] T K Joseph, Notes by TK Joseph to the article by Rev H Hosten, The saint Thomas Christians of Malabar (AD 1490- 1504) Kerla Society Papers series 5 p253.)) The left half of the inscription reads-maaran echo michiyha perannittu 1528 math ee nelathu chuddamana tiliva niruthi, thampurante kalpanayal mar thana mar avu  kee varukeethu pirathiyum kooda. Ithinte chezham porathukal desathu poyi thante marumagan mathai pathiriyum kooda.

The right half reads- Michiyha pirannittu 1580 matham kanni njyar 13 nu  mar thilivayude perunnaalku ee mar thiliva edutha marathil pothinju niruthi, mar chemayon methranum pathiri yakobum. kaalam ithu 18 am nu perunnalkku ee uthira kurishu vachu. 1581 matham meenam njayar 19 am nu thukka velli azhcha naal ikaringal thiliva niruthi.

The translation of the left half :

By the command of the Thamburan (King  of Kaduthuruthy ? Or is it the Lord Almighty ?) in AD 1528 Mar Thana (Mar Denha) and Mar Avu  alongwith Giwargis Padre, installed this Holy Cross in this place. After this, Giwargis padre went to Portugal alongwith his nephew Mathai padre. (In AD 1580,  kanni 13 sunday, on the day of the feast of Holy Cross, this mar Sliba was erected  covered in wood (?), by Bishop Mar Simon and Jacob Padre. Same year, on the day of 18th  on the day of the feast, this bleeding Cross was installed. AD 1581 meenam month on the 29th friday good friday, this granite Cross was installed.)

Translation of the right half :

On September 13(a syrian date), 1580 AD on the feast of the Holy Cross, this Holy Cross was installed, covered with wood and set up by Bishop Mar Simon and Father Jacob. The same year, on the feast of the 18th (Dec 18th) this bleeding Cross (resembling the bleeding Cross of Mailapore) was installed. This granite Cross was set up on Good Friday, 29th March 1581.

Mr A S Ramanatha Ayyar, the Superintendent of Archaeology, Tranvancore State

First section:

Line 1:                         Maaron Eecho Mishi

Line 2:                         yha perannitte 152

Line 3:                         8 maathe ee nelathu shudda

Line 4:                         m ana thiliva iru

Line 5:                         thi thampurante kalp

Line 6:                         anayal Maar Thana Mara

Line 7:                         yuu keevarkeethu miruthi

Line 8:                         yum kooda ithin

Line 9:                         nte chelam porthakaal

Line10:                        thesathu poo(y) thante

Line 11:                       marumakan mathaai paa

Line 12:                       thiriyum kooda

Second section :

Line 1:                         Michiyha perannittu 1

Line 2:                         580 mathe kanni njayir

Line 3:                         13 thiyati maru tilivaade

Line 4:                         perunnaalkke ee maar thili

Line 5:                         va eduthu manthil(marthil) po

Line 6:                         tinje niruthi maru chema

Line 7:                         on mettharanum pati

Line 8:                        ri Yakkobum + kanni

Line 9:                         te 18 thiyati perunnaalke ee

Line 10:                       thara kuriche vechchu + 15

Line11:                        81 mathe mina njayar 2

Line 12:                       9 thiyati tukkavelli alch

Line 13:                       cha naal ee kkaringal tiliva

Line 14:                       niruthi

This is almost as read by Mr T K Joseph.

The translation of first half:

In AD 1528, a Holy Cross was installed on this land by Mar Thana, Mar Avoo and Geevarghese miruthi (? pathiri) with the order of the Lord. After this, along with his nephew Mathai pathiri, he went to Portugal.

Second half :

AD 1580 in the month Kanni 13 th Sunday, on the day of the feast of Holy Cross, this Holy Cross was erected covered with (wood ? sand?).by Bishop Mar Simon and padre Yakkob.

On kanni 18th on the day of the feast, installed this thara cross ? Uthira kurisu- bleeding Cross.

In 1581 in the month meenam 29th on the day of Good Friday, installed this granite Cross.

This granite slab inscriptions talk about events that happened in AD 1528 along with 1580 and 1581. We can understand that in AD 1528, a cross was installed on the ground by two Bishops Mar Denha and Probably Mar (Jacob) Abuna (( [xxxii] Mar Jacob who arrived in Kerala in AD 1504 with Mar Denha, Mar Jahballaha and Mar Thomas. Mar Jacob has been mentioned as Aboona in the letters of saint Francis Xavier.Mar Jacob died in AD 1549. )) along with Geevarghese, with the order of the Lord ? King ?  God ? ( All the celebrations of the Thomas Christians begin with the phrase- ‘With the order of the Lord Isho Mishiha’- example- Pukdanakon- Pukdane da Mishiha in the Holy Qurbana, similar phrases are seen in the order of marriage also). This could be similar, with the order of our Lord, this Cross was placed in this land by Mar Denha and Mar Aboona, along with Geevarghese, who left for Portugal with his nephew Mathai pathiri. This could mean that they blessed the land in preparation to build a church there. They might have received permission from the local King.

The term pathiri used here is very interesting, as at such an early period of contact with the Portuguese, did the Saint Thomas Christians use the term Padre instead of the traditional term Cathanaar ? Was this Geevargese a foreign padre ? If he was a foreign padre, then his name would have been George rather than Geevarghese, a rather syriac name. Or, what we are reading as pathiri could be something else. The travel to Portugal means the Saint Thomas Christian community was in good friendship with the Portuguese Missionaries.

The second half is about events in AD 1580-81 period. In Line 1-6, it says, on Kanni 13 Sunday, on the day of the feast of the Holy Cross, this Holy Cross was erected and covered with wood ? sand- (marathil-manthil). Or is it something else that we read as marathil/ manthil ? Is it talking about placing the Pahlavi inscribed Cross on a wooden frame ? or it may mean that the Pahlavi cross was covered with the new wooden ‘raredos’ (rathaal) which was taken down in AD 1923 when the Sliva was rediscovered.

Line 6-8 talks about presence of Bishop Mar Simon and Yakkob. We know that Mar Simon in AD 1581 was the Chaldean Bishop who arrived in AD 1576 as a rival to Mar Abraham. His Archdeacon was Cathanar Jacob, who was a native of Muttuchira. We have to assume that this part of the inscription is talking about Mar Simon and Archdeacon Jacob of Muttuchira.

Lines 8-14 :On Kanniite 18- could be a Syriac month for December 18- on the day of the feast of Holy Cross, installed this thara kurichu. (There are a few interpretations for this ee thara kurishu. Initially it was considered thara- metal, or pithala- brass or chithra- ornamental. The researchers initially thought it was mentioning about the bell metal cross of Muttuchira. But later, Mr T K Joseph came up with the reading uthira kurishu meaning ruthira kurishu- bleeding cross.). It has to be noted that, here, instead of Tiliva (Sliva) as used before, the inscribers are using the word ‘kurish’ which came from Portuguese language. The inscribers have used both ‘Sliva’ and ‘kurish’ here.

This slab is a very important monument  in the Nasrani history. It narrates the installation the crosses in Muttuchira, both the free standing granite cross and the uthira kurishu- replica of bleeding cross- the Saint Thomas Cross. This is agreeing with the witnesses of early Portuguese writers and other sources that the Mar Thoma Sliva was the only religious symbol adorned in the altars of our Churches before the arrival of the Portuguese Missionaries. It shows a number of points to show a close collaboration with the foreign missionaries- usage of the word cross instead of Sliva, usage of the word padre instead of cathanaar, and the event of two Priests travelling to Portugal. These denote the friendly phase of the relation of Saint Thomas Christians with the Western Missionaries.

Muttuchira Sliva

An ancient Pahlavi inscribed granite Cross was discovered at Muttuchira Church in AD 1923. This  was a granite tablet with a ‘bas relief’ Cross and resembles the ‘miraculous Cross of Mailapore’  in the design, with a round arch and the steps and a floral arrangement in the bottom like a lotus and a descending dove on the top but unlike the Mailapore Cross, it has no pillars or dolphins on the sides. It is about 2 feet 8 inches in length with 2 feet wide and about 5 inches in thickness. There found on the outer edge, inscriptions in two lines that  had been mutilated and a few letters are visible on the left side for about 24 inches in length. The outer line of inscription has been confirmed as Pahlavi as in all the rest of the Pahlavi inscribed crosses of South India- the ‘Mar Thoma Sliva’. The inner line of inscriptions are illegible. (( [xxxiii] A S RAMANATHA AYYAR, Travancore Archaeological Series Vol VII, Part II 1930 p 75 ))

They could be ornamentations rather than inscriptions.

The inscriptions on Muttuchira Sliva

The Muttuchira Sliva bears Pahlavi inscriptions around the round arch edge on a narrow belt. But the belt of the tablet on which the inscriptions were made was badly mutilated but only a a length of 24 inches from the left upright limb escaped the damage. ((  [xxxiv] A S RAMANATHA AYYAR, Muttusira Inscriptions, Travancore Archaeological Series,Vil VII p 75 )) There is another smaller belt runs inside this outer belt with some illegible inscriptions. Mr B T Anklesaria identified this inscription also as Pahlavi and deciphered the inner inscription as ‘Lord Messiah the supreme…’ while  the outer inscription as similar to the rest of the Pahlavi inscribed Crosses of South India (( [xxxv] A S RAMANATHA AYYAR, Opus cit p 75-76 )) . Professor F C Burkitt of the Cambridge University comments that the outer inscription that remains reads as “The Syrian who cut this”. Professor Burkitt also comments that the inner inscription could be Syriac but due to the mutilation of the stone and reading from a photograph, he could not confirm anything (( [xxxvi] F C BURKITT, A Further note on the Pahlavi Crosses, Oxford Journal of Theological studies, 1929,os XXXI (1):pp47-48 )) .

Systematic mutilation of the inscriptions ?

On the rediscovery of this ‘sliva’ in 1923 AD, Paul Madathil wrote that at the time the wooden ‘raredos’ (rathaal)was pulled down, only not more than one span of the inscription was damaged. (( [xxxvii] PAUL J MADATHIL, Letter dated 28/10.1925 to MR T K JOSEPH cited by H HOSTEN, opus cit pp351-352 foot note 5 ))

H Hosten  commented about this as follows. “If only one span was damaged, it would follow that the rest of the damage was carried out systematically with a view to do away with the inscription and the decoration at the foot. It will be an evil day for Malabar Archaeology and history when such methods can be considered proper, whatever the intension may be or the cause to be benefitted. The cause to be benefitted might be the theory of Nestorianism…. (([xxxviii] H HOSTEN, opus cit pp351-352 end note 5 )) “.

Discovery of the Sliva

The accidental discovery of this Cross was reported by  eminent personalities of the  time like Mr A S Ramanatha Iyyer, Superintendent of Archaeology, State of Travancore (( [xxxix] H HOSTEN, Antiquities of Sam Thome and mailappore, 1936, p 341. Letter from  Mr A S ramanatha Iyyer dated 16 September 1925 )) , Mr T K Joseph (( [xl] H HOSTEN, Antiquities of Sam Thome and Mailappore, 1936 p 342. Letter by Mr T K Joseph to Rev H Hosten dated 11 October 1925 )) an eminent historian, Mr Paul Madathil (( [xli] H HOSTEN, Antiquities of sam Thome and Mailappore, 1936, p 351- Letter by Mr paul madathil dated 28 October 1925 to Mr T K Joseph. )), a local journalist, Rev Fr Jacob Murickan, a former Vicar of the Ruha D’ Qudisha Forane Church at Muttuchira,  Rev Fr. Joseph Pediyekkal (( [xlii] H HOSTEN, Antiquities of sam Thome and Mailappore, 1936 p 345 letter from Fr pediyekkal dated 02 November 1926 )) who was the vicar of the Church in Athirampuzha and former Vicar of Muttuchira Church 1912-1915, Mr V C George (( [xliii] H HOSTEN, Antiquities of sam Thome and Mailappore 1936 p 344 letter from Mr V C george to MR T K Joseph, dated 19 October 1925 )) , a local historian, Mr Karottu C George of Muttuchira-Malayalam novelist and a Headmaster at Muttuchira.,  Mr George P Murickel (( [xliv] H HOSTEN, Antiquities of sam Thome and Mailppore 1936 p 344  Article of Mr George P Murickel dated 21 October 1925 sent to the Catholic Herld of India, calcutta   forwarded to Rev H Hosten by the Editor of Catholic Herald of India on 29 October 1925 which was due to be published in the Catholic Herald of India but the paper ceased publication on 28 Otober 1925 )) , a local historian and journalist.

Mr Paul Madathil who had written an article in the local vernacular news paper, reported a detailed account of the discovery. The Cross was found in the old Church which was dedicated to Ruha D’ Qudisha, being renovated and rededicated to Saint Francis of Assissi in AD 1925 period.  This old church is still present dedicated to Saint Francis of Assissi in front of the main Church opposite to the open air rock cross situated east to west with the altar on the east end.

The old Church  stood east west with the ‘madbaha’ (altar) on the east. It had three ‘madbahas’, a central main altar and two side altars. The Pahlavi inscribed cross was found built into the wall of the northern altar at a height of about 7 feet from the floor, when the wooden ‘raredos’ (rathaal) was taken down as part of renovation. The ‘raredos’ was built over a wooden frame covering the Pahlavi inscribed cross. This may be what the Muttuchira Lithic inscription of AD 1580 describes as ‘marathil pothinju’ meaning covered with wood.

Rev Fr. Joseph Peediyekkal, a former vicar of Muttuchira Church (1912-1915), reported that “The Persian Cross is said to have been covered over by a wooden framework. It was on this framework, an altar was erected and thus the cross lay buried for many years under the altar wall, till it was recently discovered on the occasion of the rebuilding of the Church” (( [xlv] Rev Fr JOSEPH PEEDIYEKKAL, Letter dated 02/11/1926 cited by H HOSTEN, Opus cit p345 foot note 2 )).

Mr A S Ramanatha Iyyer, the then Superintendent of Archaeology of the State of Travancore  visited the Church on learning about this discovery, reported in Travancore Archaeological Series that ” I was told that this church was originally called the Church of the Holy Ghost (Syriac Ruha D’ Qudisha) and that it was proposed to rechristen it on completion (of renovation) as the Church of Saint Francis of Assissi. The tablet Cross (Pahlavi inscribed bas relief cross on granite) appears to have been brought hither from centuries ago from another old church which had probably existed elsewhere nearby and it was found in the foundation of the altar of this chapel, when the flooring was raked up during the repairs ” (( [xlvi] A S RAMANATHA AYYAR, No 52, Muttusira inscriptions, Travancore Archaeological series vol VII part II 1930 p75 ))

It seems that Mr Ramanatha Iyyer gives a little bit different version of the finding.  He has visited the site and did investigations. He seems to be a Tamil speaking man, as he has deciphered the ‘vattezhuthu’ inscriptions in Tamil and also use Tamil pronunciation for  Muttuchira- ‘Muttusira’. There could be an element of language barrier behind this slightly different version stating that the cross was found on the foundation when he floor was raked up. Two tombs were found when the floor was raked up which has been reported by Mr George P Murickel and also Rev Fr Pediyekkal. Neither Mr. Murickel nor Mr.V C George give an exact description of the discovery.

It seems that Paul Madathil’s version could be right as he was a native and might have been present when the discovery was made or definitely confirmed with witnesses, as he reported that there were many witnesses.

The Muttuchira Lithic inscriptions describes about setting up of this church and the cross in AD 1528 and 1581.Therefore, this church in the name of Ruha D’ Qudisha which became the Church of Saint Francis of Assissi was founded in AD 1528. It also talks about setting up of the ‘uthira kurishu’- bleeding Cross- the Mar Thoma Sliva in AD 1581 and also of another granite Cross- Karingal tiliva- most probably an open air rock cross.

This means, after about 53 years of the building of the church, they found the ancient Pahlavi inscribed Cross and installed it on the side altar.  Where did that come from ?

The origin of the Pahlavi Inscribed Cross- the Mar Thoma Sliva

Mr Ramanatha Iyyer reports that this Cross was brought to this church from another ancient church nearby. This could have been a local tradition of that time. So, there was  another much older church  nearby.

There are several possibilities :

1 The Church of the Ruha D’ Qudisha which was renamed as Church of Saint Francis of Assissi was  the first ever church of Muttuchira.

The local tradition says they had an ancient church founded in 6 th century AD. Setting up of a Cross on the ground  by two Bishops as described in the Muttuchira Lithic inscriptions could be the blessing of the ground for a new Church. That means their ancient Church was not in this property. The local tradition states that the ancient Church was a little east of this property at a place ‘Kurisummoodu’ means ‘near the cross’ where there is still an ancient open air cross. The Chapel of Saint Anthony is also in this place.

If this was a brand new church that was built in 1528 AD, the Cross could have been brand new or brought from elsewhere. Could be from a nearby place or from far away places like Kodungalloor as the Kottayam valiya palli crosses. Here, there is no local traditions to support this theory.

2 The construction in AD 1528- 1581 was a renovation/ demolition and reconstruction of an old church. Then  this Cross could have been from the old church.

3 There was an ancient church at Muttuchira and for some reasons, they built a new church nearby and brought the old cross here. This is what Mr Iyyer reports in his article in Travancore Archaeological series vol 7 part 2. (( [xlvii] A S RAMANATHA AYYAR, No 52, Muttusira Inscriptions, Travancore Archaeological series Vol VII, part II p 75, )) Mr George P Murickel reports that ‘it is supposed that the cross was taken to the church from a certain part of Muttuchira itself where now stands the chapel of Saint Anthony. (( [xlviii] H HOSTEN, Antiquities of sam Thome and Mailppore 1936 p 345 –  Article of Mr George P Murickel dated 21 October 1925 sent to the Catholic Herld of India, calcutta   forwarded to Rev H Hosten by the Editor of Catholic Herald of India on 29 October 1925 which was due to be published in the Catholic Herald of India but the paper ceased publication on 28 Otober 1925 ))

Now, it is clear that there was another ancient Church at Muttuchira where now stands the Chapel of Saint Anthony ! Rev Fr Jacob Muricken , the Vicar of Muttuchira Church at the time enlists a number of Churches and chapels around Muttuchira Church (( [xlix] H HOSTEN, Opus cit p 351 )) . He confirms that there was a chapel  on the eastern side of the main Church at Muttuchira and the Church of Saint Francis of Assissi which stands  in front of the main Church, dedicated to Saint Anthony but the old name was Holy Cross.

Therefore, there was an ancient Church dedicated to Holy Cross- Mar Sliva at Muttuchira which was demolished and renamed as  the Chapel of Saint Anthony. Mr George P Murickel also reports that the ‘pahlavi inscribed cross’ was taken from this chapel of Saint Anthony.

Ancient Mar Sliva Church of Muttuchira

Now, the picture is clear. The most ancient Church at Muttuchira was a Mar Sliva Church where the Pahlavi inscribed Cross- Mar Sliva was placed. In AD 1528, a new Church was built at the eastern side of the present Church complex dedicated to Ruha D’ Qudisha  and the Pahlavi inscribed Cross was installed in the altar in AD 1581. Later at some time, the church was renovated and a new wooden altar- ‘raredos’ (raathaal) was built over the Pahlavi inscribed cross. This could be what the Muttuchira Lithic inscription describes as ‘marathil pothinju’ in AD 1581. The local faithful renovated the old Ruha D’ Qudisha Church and renamed it as Church of Saint Francis of Assissi in AD 1925.During this renovation, the Pahlavi inscribed Cross was accidentally found. By this time, the present day Ruha D Kudisha church was already built and the Pahlavi inscribed cross was placed on the inside of the facade of the Church (( [l] H HOSTEN, Antiquities of Sam Thome and nMailappore, 1936 p 346 Article of Mr george P Murickel to The catholic Herald of India, calcutta dated 21 October 1925 forwarded to H Hosten by the Editor of Catholic Herald dated 29 october 1925. )) . Now, this Cross has been placed on the side altar of the main Church at Muttuchira.

It is quite interesting to note that there was an ancient Church dedicated to  Mar Sliva at Muttuchira with an ancient Sliva. As recorded by early Portuguese writers, this Sliva might have been kept in the ‘madbaha’ as we have seen recorded in Kodungalloor, Mailapore, Kumarimuttam, Alengad and Kollam.

The Madbaha adorned with only the Mar Thoma Sliva- the ancient tradition of Malabar.

Before the arrival of the European Missionaries, in the Churches of Saint Thomas Christians, the ‘madbaha’ was adored  with  only a plain cross. These plain Crosses were all in the model of the Pahlavi inscribed granite Crosse of Mailappore- the Saint Thomas Crosses. This has been witnessed by many authors, mostly the early  Portuguese  writers.

1.Duarte Barbosa. 1514 AD

Duarte Barbosa was a Portuguese traveller who came with Cabral in AD 1498. He continued exploring the South India and wrote a book narrating the description of Malabar  and the coromandel coast of South India in AD 1517.  Barbosa describes the tradition of Crosses in the ‘madbaha’ of the Churches of Saint Thomas Christians. Barbosa confirms that these Crosses were plain Crosses. Barbosa narrates clearly  about Crosses in the Churches at Quilon and Kumary muttam near Cape Comorin.

2 Antonio Gouvea 1599AD

Antonio Gouvea accompanied Archbishop Alexis De Menezes during his visits to the Churches of Saint Thomas Christians. He  clearly  documented that all of the Churches of Saint Thomas Christians were adored with plain crosses like that of miracle of S. Thomae. ((

PIUS MALEKKANDATHIL, Jornada of Dom Alexis De menezes: A Portuguese Account of the Sixteenth Century Malabar LRC Publications, Kochi, 2003, pp 244-245 ))

The accounts of Gouvea clearly witnesses two points about the ecclesiastical milieu at the time period before the infamous synod of Diamper- Saint Thomas Christians used Mar Thoma Sliva- Saint Thomas Crosses only in their ‘madbaha’ when the Portuguese arrived and the native Christians called these Crosses as ‘Saint Thomas Crosses’.

Gouvea uses the term ‘Cruz de Sam Thomae’ meaning Crosses of Saint Thomas. According to Rev Dr Pius Malekkandathil, the Portuguese documents with  the term ‘Sam Thome’ is usually used to denote Saint Thomas the Apostle  and ‘S Thomae’ is used to denote City of Saint Thomas means Mailapore. Therefore, Gouvea really meant it as Crosses of Saint Thomas (( [lii] PIUS MALEKKANDATHIL, Jornada of Dom Alexis De Menezes:A Portuguese account of the Sixteenth Century Malabar, LRC Cochin,2003, p 245 foot note 190. )) . It does not mean that these Crosses were erected by Saint Thomas the Apostle but could mean these are the Crosses of the Christians of Saint Thomas. Gouvea also mentions about the traditional belief of the local Christians that the Cross at Cranganore in front of which Archbishop Alexis De Menezes celebrated a solemn mass was placed there by Saint Thomas the Apostle himself. (( [liii] PIUS MALEKANDATHIL opus cit p 216 ))

As we know that the custom of venerating the Cross was started in the later period only, this oral tradition could be a retrojection of later developments to the Apostolic times.

3 Joseph, the Indian Cathanar 1503 AD

Joseph, the Indian Priest who visited Rome and Venice in AD 1502 gave a narration to the signoria of Venice about the religio cultural, political and even geography of South India. Joseph’s narrations were published in different European languages. These accounts are probably the first native witness recorded in the history about the Saint Thomas Christians and South India.

Joseph narrated  that the Saint Thomas Christians had only plain crosses in their churches, no statues. They also had a Cross on the courtyard of the churches (( [liv]ANTONY VALLAVANTHARA, India in 1500 AD, pp 166-167, 231 )) . Joseph was mentioning about the tradition of Crosses only in the madbaha (altar) and also about the standing Crosses of the Churches of Kerala.

Other antiquities of Muttuchira

Tomb stones

Mr Paul Madathil reported that there were two tombs in the old church-the Saint Francis Church. They were found when the floor was dug up. They were below the basements of the north and south walls of the altar, symmetrically placed, at a depth of 4 feet from the basement. Mr Paul commented that these tombs could be older than the walls and may not be directly under the wall. (( [lv] PAUL MADATHIL, Letters dated 28/10/1925 and 07/11/1925 cited by H Hosten, Antiquities of Sam Thome and Mailapore, p345 foot note 2 )) Rev Fr Peediyekkal commented that those tombs were of Father Jacob ( Archdeacon Jacob) and his mother. (( [lvi] JOSEPH PEEDIYEKKAL, Letter of Rev Fr Peediyekkal dated 24/11/1925 cited by H Hosten,Antiquities of sam Thome and Mailappore, p 345 foot note 2 ))

Inscriptions at Muttuchira-List of H Hosten

Rev Henry Hosten reports of 9 lithic inscriptions found from Muttuchira Church.

1 Inscription of events of AD 1828

2 Inscription of events of AD 1580-81    Both these are on a single stone that we have already discussed.

3 Granite slab inscribed in AD 1593 says on sunday 7th dhanu 769 KE, the soul of Fra Chacko was taken, Amen. ( TKJ 20/09/1926)

4 Inscribed in AD 1628  Kollam Era 803

5 unknown  of Kollam Era  ?804

6 AD 1630  Kollam Era 806

7 AD 1642-43  Kollam Era 818

8  AD 1660  Kollam Era 835

9 unknown  Kollam Era ?*48

There are many others also, many are seen built into the wall of the Church of saint Francis of Assissi as supports for the beams (( [lvii] H HOSTEN Opus cit p 345 foot note 3 )) .

Inscriptions of Muttuchira- List of A S Ramanatha Ayyar.

Inscription on the pedestal of the open air rock cross in front of the main Church.

Line 1:             Mishiyha perannitte 1623 lu kaalam sesare

Line 2:             thu kollam …thu kanni jnayar karinkal

Line 3:             kurishu iruthi kalluve….ithu maathu than ….kanakku pe…)

Translation-  After the birth of Mishiha,  1623 period- ?sesare this is Kollam Era ……in the month Kanni sunday, this granite was erected. Stone ?….in the account of mathu….  (( [lviii] A S Ramanatha Ayyar, Opus cit p 78 ))

Some other inscriptions.

Rest of the inscriptions are funerary inscription but many letters and words are  illegible. Examples of readings of the fragments which are legible are (( [lix] A S Ramanatha Ayyar, opus cit p78 )) ,

1 kallar veli mathuven kuriyathinte alam mayi thampurante managunathaale eduthukku-

2 Kollam… matham mithine jnayaru uyirine kongade le adappu kuriathinu nallavazhi cheythu

3 kumbhu..nu palehan thareerhu mariathinte alam meyu thampurante managunathaale eduthu

4 kollam…nu makaram yu mathu ee aype ittere alame nallame eduthu.

5 kollam…maruthu meena matham ….hale kanakkin vanthasemi alachanaal kadapurathe eliza anamale yadu neram nallavzhikke edakoodi.

Crosses found in Muttuchira

Cross No  1: The Pahlavi inscribed granite bas relief Cross- The Muttuchira Sliva.

Cross No 2: The open air Rock Cross in front of the main Church- The Ruha D’ Qhudisha Forane Church at Muttuchira. It has an inscription in the pedestal beginning with KE 799 (AD 1623-24) (( [lx] H HOSTEN, Opus cit p348 ))

Cross No 3: The miniature bas relief cross on the base of the base of  the Cross No 2 in the design of Muttuchira Sliva.

Cross No 4: Brass Cross. This was a silver coated brass cross used in processions. There was no inscriptions but had decorations on the surface. This cross was melted off in 1919 AD. (( [lxi] H HOSTEN Opus cit p 346 citing T K Joseph,  letters of Rev Fr Joseph Peediyekkal and Mr Paul Madathil. ))

Cross No 5:  Wooden Cross apparently present on the ‘raredos’ of the old Church (presently Saint Francis Church in front of the Main Church) behind which, the Muttuchira Sliva was found in AD 1925. This Cross has been destroyed.

Cross No 6:  Open air Cross found in Muttuchira Angadi near the Saint Anthony’s Chapel

Cross No 7: Open air Cross near Saint Sebastian’s Church.

Churches and Chapels in Muttuchira

(Rev Fr Jacob Murickan’s numbering system)

Church no 1:

Old name- Church of Ruha D’ Qudisha. New name- Church of Saint Francis of Assissi. Probably built in 1528 AD according to the Muttuchira inscriptions.

Church No 2:

The main Church of Muttuchira today, the Ruha D’ Qudisha Forane Church, Muttuchira where the Muttuchira Sliva has been recently installed. This was built probably in 1859-1885. (( [lxii] XAVIER KOODAPUZHA Opus cit p 752. Rev Dr Koodapuzha has recorded that the first church was at Kurisummoodu in 6th century. In the 7th century, a new Church was built at the eastern side of the present Church complex, at the site of the Church of Saint Francis of Assissi. In the 9th century, the Church was attacked by Mugalans. In 13th century, it was rebuilt. ))

Church No 3:

Saint Sebastian’s Church- also called ‘Prasu Church’ with a small open air Cross in front.

Chapel a- Old name Mar Sliva, new name Saint Anthony’s. There is a masonry open air Cross- Cross No 6.

Chapel b Saint Teresa’s or Flower of Jesus.

Conclusion

Muttuchira Church is an ancient Church in Malabar. The very first Church of the Christian settlement in Muttuchira was Mar Sliva Church at Muttuchira situated somewhere near the Kurisummoodu where the Muttuchira Sliva was adored in the altar. The Muttuchira Sliva was taken from this Church and placed in the newly built  Ruha D’ Qudisha old Church- the Church of Saint Francis of Assissi in the esatern side of the present Church complex probably in 1580AD. Later, during renovations, the Muttuchira Sliva was neglected and a new raredos (rathaal) was built over it. In 1923 AD, during the renovations, the Sliva was accidentally rediscovered, but the then authorities tried to mutilate the inscription for fear of accusations of Nestorianism. It was again neglected  and replaced in the new Ruha D’ Qudisha Church in a very unimportant place- back side of the wall of the facade in a corner, probably because of the interests of the Archaeological Department of the then Government of Travancore. Now,  this invaluable monument of Saint Thomas Christians has been placed in a side altar of the main Church. Thus, the Muttuchira Sliva, the Pahlavi inscribed Cross is an invaluable monument of the Christian community that  was the  symbol of veneration of the ancient  Christian settlement of Muttuchira.

Muttuchira inscription is another landmark monument which is an evidence of the initial friendly and collaborative relations of the Church of Saint Thomas Christians and the Western Missionaries. It also narrates installation of the Mar Thoma Sliva in the altar and the open air Rock Cross.

Covering the Muttuchira Sliva with a new ‘raredos’  (rathaal) is an evidence of subjugation by the missionaries to take away our age old traditions and to wipe out our ancient Syriac Christian heritage and  force the community to conform with the Roman rite.

It is glad to see that the neglected Muttuchira Sliva has been placed in a much honourable place, on the side altar recently. The Christian community has a duty to protect and preserve their ancient monuments. There is scope for setting up a Museum for portraying these very important  monuments and to do further investigations to study about the inscribed tablets built into the wall of the Church of Saint Francis Assissi and the others still unearthed.

Credits.

Thanks to Mr Mathew Mailapparampil for opinions and certain language corrections.

Thanks to Mr Sandeep Thomas and Mr Mebin John for opinions, a few pictures and help for field study.

Thanks to Mr R Shivalingam, my colleague for helping with translation of a few documents from Tamil language.

Picture credits.

The title picture of Muttuchira Sliva has been taken from Travancore Archaeological Series vol 7 Part II 1930.

The black and white picture of Muttuchira Lithic inscription has been taken from Kerala Society Papers, 1928.

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Author M Thomas Antony can be reached by email at – m dot Thomas dot antony at live.co.uk.
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