Tuesday, September 20, 2011

HISTORICAL VALIDITY OF ST.THOMAS TRADITION (2)

World historians and others on St.Thomas tradition.

As mentioned in the beginning of the first article,the ancient,continuous, Nazrani tradition, about the Indian apostolate of Saint Thomas,is supported by a good number of World historians of repute, Indian/Kerala (Hindu) historians and Church historians, despite the strong objection of some conservative historians. Let us examine their opinions and conclusions, in a bit more detail.
In the words of British historian, Vincent Smith :”It must be admitted that,a personal visit of the apostle to Southern India,was easily feasible, in the condition of the time and there is nothing incredible in the traditional belief that he(St.Thomas),came by way of Socotra, where an ancient Christian settlement undoubtedly existed”(Early history of India,p250.)
Referring the East Syriac tradition about Thomas, eminent scholar-historian. Alphonse Mingana, who conducted extensive research in Indian history too, observes:
It is the constant tradition of Eastern Church that the Apostle Thomas evangelized India, and there is no historian, no poet, no breviary, no liturgy and no writer of any kind who, having the opportunity of speaking of St. Thomas, does not associate his name with India. Some writers mention also Parthia and Persia, among the lands evangelized by him,but all of them are unanimous in the matter of India. To refer to all the Syrian and Christian Arab authors who speak of India in connection with Thomas would therefore be equivalent to referring to all who have made mention, of the name of Thomas. Thomas and India are in this respect, synonymous.(Dr.A.Mingana, Early Spread of Christianity in India, p.447-448.)
Another historian, Natalis Alexander, in his book, specifically mentioned that the converts of Thomas, in India, include, Brahmins and others. (Quoted by Bernard Thoma, The St.Thomas Christians(Malayalam) i/169).
Subscribing the rational, but slightly different, analysis of Paoli, reputed early historian, Franscis Day, views the genesis of the first Christian conversion of Malabar as under: It is very probable,that these converts made by St. Thomas, were joined by others from Syria, who had heard of their existence.In the second century, Egyptian marines carried tidings to Alexandria, of the Christians residing in Malabar, who traced their paternity in Syria to St.Paul, and owned the supermacy of the Patriarch of Babylon. Therefore they must have been here , one hundred years prior to the doctrines of Nestorius. It is by no means improbable, that the Jews who came to Malabar, divided themselves into two parties, one of which became Christians ( mixed themselves to the small body of Indian Christians , whose ancestors were formally converted to the Christian faith by the Apostle Thomas ) , and the other retained their ancient faith. ( Franscis Day, The Land of the Perumals, VI /214.)
According to Anglican scholar-historian Buchanan, we have as good authority that Apostle Thomas died in India, as that Apostle Peter died at Rome. (Dr.Claude Buchanan, Christian Researches in India, p.135).
“ The glory of the introduction of the teachings of Christ to India is,by time- honoured tradition, ascribed to Apostle Saint Thomas. According to this tradition so clearly cherished by the Christians of this Coast, about 52 AD, the apostle landed at Maliankara near Cranganur ( Kodungallur), the Mouziris of the Greeks, or Muyirikode of the Jewish Copper plates”—(Edgar Thurston,British ethnographer, “The Castes and Tribes of Southern India,Vol.vi/429)
Colonel Yule,the translator of ‘Marco Polo’, one of the best authorities, on the tradition, thinks it, so old that it is probably in it’s simple form true’(Quoted in ‘Church history of Travancore, C.M.Agur, 1/4-5)
Specifying the place of rest of the Apostle, Marco polo, the Venetian traveler, who visited India, in 1293,says, “The body of Messer Saint Thomas the Apostle, lies in this ‘province” of Maabar, at a little town having no great population…Both Christians and Saracens, however, greatly frequent it in pilgrimage”. (Henry Yule, editor of The travels of Marco Polo p.338). Here, though he is not naming the place, one can rightly conclude that it is Mylapore of South India.
Dr.A.E.Medlycott in his book 'India and Apostle St.Thomas' , presents a graphic picture of the early Christianity in India, it’s traditions, and connections with St.Thomas.
……..Philostorgius,an Arian Greek Church historian,records the travels of Theophilus to India (sent by emperor Constantius—about 354 AD):
…….Theophilus after fulfilling his mission to the Home-rites, sailed to his island home. Thence he visited other parts of India reforming many things …….for the Christians of the place heard the reading of the gospel in a sitting etc. This reference to a body of Christians with church,priest,liturgy in the immediate vicinity of Maldives, can only apply to a Christian and faithful on the adjacent of India…….The people referred to were Christians known as a body that had their liturgy in Syriac language, and inhabited the west coast of India i.e. Malabar (India and Apostle Thomas, p.133, 256).
Referring to Saint Thomas tradition, Jacob Canter Visscher, the Dutch author, expresses his belief on it as “a , tale not to be scoffed at”, seeing that it is asserted in the traditions of the old Christians both of Malabar and Cormandel,which agree in indicating certain spots,where he preached, and laboured. (Visscher, 'Letters from Malabar', Edited, by K. P. Padmanabha Menon, p.41).
Critically examining the Nazrani tradition about apostolic origin, William Logan, the English historian, of Coloneal India, writes: evidence as yet available in support of truth of the tradition is by no means perfect. It is certain that the first century AD, a very extensive trade and connection existed directly between India and the Western world, and a precise and expanding knowledge of the geography of the Indian coasts and markets, is manifest in the writings of the author of the ‘Priplus Maris Erythroci’ and several others. Mouziris, in particular which has already been alluded to, was one of the places best known to travellers and merchants from the West, and it was there and thereabouts that the original settlements of Christians were formed……This direct trade connection seems to have been maintained through ……some centuries after birth of Christ,and if the evidence of the Peutingenerian Tables (which are believed to have been constructed about 226A.D) is accepted, the Romans even at that date are said to have had a force of two cohorts (840 -1200 men) at Mouziris to protect their trade, and they had also erected a Temple to Augustus about 226 at the same place. That Christians, among others, found their way to Malabar in the very early centuries after Christ is there fore highly probable (Malabar Manual,William Logan p.234.). This statement is almost akin to the assertion of historian, L.W. Brown that 'There is no doubt that an Apostolic visit in the 1st century,A.D.,whether or not it actually happened , was perfectly possible from a physical point of view' ,
( Indian Christians of St.Thomas,p.59 ).
Anglican historian Dr..M.Neale also is a staunch supporter of ' Apostolic origin' of this Church. (Primitive Liturgies, p.140.) 
Observations of Indian /Kerala historians:
We can see, valuable, positive references about this ‘historical probability' by several eminent secular historians and Church historians.
Let me quote the words of the great Indian States man-historian, Jawaharlal Nehru, in his Autobiography,and work,‘Discovery of India’ : We also visited ,among the backwaters of Malabar,some towns inhabited chiefly by Christians, belonging to the Syrian Churches. Few people realize that Christianity came to India, as early as the first century after Christ, long before Europe turned to it, and established a firm hold in South India (An Autobiography,p.273.).
Mrs.Romila Thapar , the foremost living authority on early Indian History, has no reluctance to accept the Malabar tradition about the visit of St.Thomas as a credible historical probability.(A History of India,I / 134 )
The reputed Malayalee historians of yester years like K.P.Padmanabha Menon, Sardar K.M.Panicker etc. were inclined to respect the tradition as being worthy of acceptance.
Mr.Panicker find it difficult to deny the truth in the St.Thomas tradition, for, as he says, "We have the recorded statements of Pantaenus, the head of the Alexandrian school, who visited India,in the 2nd century that, he found a flourishing Christian Community here" (History of Kerala,K.M.Panicker, p.5.).
The unbiased observation of, Kerala’s prominent historian, and author of many masterly works in Malayalam and English, A. Sreedhara Menon, is as under: "About three centuries before Christianity was considered as an approved religion of Europe, and Rome, it started flourishing in Malabar coast." "On the background of extensive trade relations existed between Kerala and Mediterranean countries, even before the Christian Era, nothing improbable about the coming of Saint Thomas”( A. Sreedhara Menon, Kerala History p.133-134.).
The author of the Travancore State Manual too, hold a stand quite favorable to Kerala Nazrani tradition. “…Pliny says that in his day voyages were made to India every year, the average length of a voyage being 40 days. This became possible owing to the great discovery of the monsoon winds of the Malabar Coast by Hippalus, whose name was there fore given to the wind itself.It should be remembered here that the discovery of the trade-winds by Hippalus was just before St.Thomas’s visit to Malabar, which tradition fixes at 52.A.D. Thus the route of communication,then most used was quite favourable to the voyage of St.Thomas to South India.”(T.S.M.Vol.II/p.123. ed. by V. Nagam Aiya.)
Church historians on St.Thomas:
Among the old generation,writers on St.Thomas history, the contributions of Fr. Bernard Thoma and Placid Podipara can hardly be under estimated. High lighting the unique and unbroken tradition exists in Malabar coast, more particularly in places like Kodungalloor, Chavakkad, Palayoor, Kunnamkulam, Pacid Podipara observes, “The St.Thomas Christians of Malabar have a tradition immemorial, constant, definite and living about their origin from the Apostle Thomas”(The Thomachristians,p.245.).
Now let us see, how Dr. A. Mathias Mundadan, one of the living Scholar Church historians, who has devoted decades to the study of Indian Christianity, and made commendable contributions to secular history too, view the apostolate of St.Thomas:
An important group of historians, follow a line of argument more or less like the following:The possibility of one or two Apostles of Christ having preached the Gospel in India, and even in China, no serious-minded scholar would object to. At the dawn of Christianity there were trade routes connecting West Asia and the East,routes very much frequented. The land routes reached parts of North India, while the sea routes reached the coasts of Kerala and other parts of South India.The tradition as it is found in the witnesses of various authors and Churches makes this possibility a probability.
Add to this, the living testimony of the community of the St.Thomas Christians and the witness of the tomb of Mylapore,the Little Mount and the Big Mount or St.Thomas Mount in the vicinity of Mylapore, together with the tradition connected with these monuments. These considerations, they think, should incline any earnest inquirer to accept the Indian apostolate of St.Thomas, as established beyond doubt ( Indian Christians,Search for Identity,p.3).
Quoting the letter of St.Franscis Xavier, to St.Ignatius Loyola (dtd.14th Jan.1549), (Late) Mar Varkey Vithayathil, in his doctoral thesis on ‘The mission of St.Thomas in India’observes as under:
“There is a city called Cranganore where there are many Christians….descended from those made Christians by St.Thomas”. We have the testimony Western eye-witnesses to the existence of Christian communities from the end of the 2nd century onwards. These Indian Christians came into contact with the Mesopotamian church probably from the first half of the 4th century and subsequently became hierarchically dependent on it. Nevertheless, they have preserved their cultural and ecclesiastical identity.The claim of these Syrian rite Christians of India, known from time immemorial as ‘St.Thomas Christians’,is that St.Thomas, the apostle arrived in the port of Cranganore by sea, converted their ancestors to the faith, ordained priests, erected crosses, founded churches and received the crown of martyrdom in Mylapore, where they still venerate his tomb…….this tradition has no rival any where in the world, (Thomapedia,p.3.).
Benedict Vadakkekara, eminent Church historian of the day, whose works invited praise from secular historians too, argues in favour of accepting tradition as an aid, in the absence of written evidence other than circumstantial evidence, in the case of Saint Thomas studies, provided it should be historically coherent and scientifically verifiable.
In his own words:
It (the tradition of the Syrian Christians of Kerala / India) is quite unlike a loose and vague belief among the populace precisely because the community has with consistence kept the arrival, the mission, and the death of Apostle Thomas inseparably linked with certain specific families, situations, and places. The tradition points to definite spots as having been in association with the Apostle, e.g. the place where the Apostle landed,or preached or died (Benedict Vadakkekara, Origin of India’s St.Thomas Christians,p.25-27 ).

HISTORICAL VALIDITY OF ST.THOMAS TRADITION (1)

Introduction :

Historians in general—Western, Middle East and Indian—are unanimous in holding the view that Christianity reached this part of the world, Malabar Coast of India, in the 1st century itself ; that too, even before it was preached in the Roman Empire.
But, the question, who brought the Gospel of Christ to India? St. Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus, Manikeyan Thomas, the East Syrian (Mesopotamian /Persian ) missionaries or the Merchant migrant Thomas of Kanai or some other Thomas? Opinions vary.

The South Indian Tradition :

Whatever be the opinion of the historians and scholars on the subject, the Syrian Christians of Kerala,popularly known as Nazrani Mappilas or St.Thomas Christians,(മാർത്തോമ്മാ നസ്രാണികൾ - in the local language), believe that they are the descendants of the people converted to Christianity, by a personal visit of Apostle Thomas. As per their centuries' old tradition, Saint Thomas, landed at Maliankara, near Kodungallur (Muziris) port in 52 AD, and evangelized a good number of the inhabitants to the new religion. Kerala tradition says, the first conversion was from the native Nambudiri (Brahmin) community, as a result of  the miracles performed by the apostle. St. Thomas preached through out the length and breadth of the Chera Kingdom,  He established seven churches(settlements )in the Coast,viz.Maliankara (Kodungallur),Palur(Palayur),Cottakayil(Paravur), Gokkamangalam, Niranam, Kollam and Chayal (Nilakkal). He preached and laboured 20 years in the country and converted many persons from different castes, amongst whom there were 32 illums of Brahmins  and NambudirisSome principal families that were baptized by St. Thomas, were those of Chungarapooray, Pakalomattam, Pally Caulicoungal, Coicaray, Calacaray, Madapoor, Vymply, Moottatoatel and Cottacurray. Of these, first two families  were ordained and set apart by him for sacred orders as Bishops etc. The higher order of Priesthood remained almost hereditary in the two families of Changarapoory and Pakalomattam for several centuries, and the succession or inheritance descended in the female line, the same being the common law of Malabar..." ( C.M.Agur, 'Church history of Travancore; II / 9-10 ). It was to the Pakalomattam family that the Malabar Christians turned for Bishops after the historic Coonan Cross revolt of 1653, against Portuguese domination. As per another tradition, it was after consecrating a near relative of the Perumal, that  the apostle went to  Cholamandalam and China and continued his gospel work. He returned to Malabar. He then reached Kingdoms of Chola and Pandya, crossing the Ghats, and continued his work. In the year 72 AD, he was put to death by some religious fanatics and was buried at Chinnamala in Mylapore.
Ballads (Folklore ), legends and oral tradition:
The Malabar or South Indian Tradition about  the origin of Christianity was/is supported by strong and unbroken local tradition, exists right from the beginning of Christian Era and references in some ancient Malayalam songs(ballads), also in the form of bardic songs. These songs, circulated among the Marthoma Christians, viz Rambanpaattu, (believed to have been originally written by a disciple of St.Thomas and re-written by Thomas Ramban, Maliekkal), Maargamkalippattu, describing the Way of Thomas ( Maarthomamargam), and Veeradiyanpaattu. Of late, there originated among some Nazrani families, the habit of keeping genealogies, which are written form of oral tradition. As per the local tradition, the place Chavakkadu, (a variation of the Malayalam-word  Saapakkad—ശാപക്കാട് --place of curse), near Palayur(Thrissur), has got that name, as the place was cursed by Nambudiris, because some of their families were converted to Christianity by St. Thomas.
( The rest of the Nambudiri Brahmins, as tradition says, fled from the village saying," From the next day on-wards , our ablutions shall be at Vemmenad". Vemmenad is a village near Palayur. Strangely, this is a legend , shared by Hindus and Christians , of the locality, alike  and to this day, no orthodox Brahmin takes a bath or a meal in the village. ( Quoted in the Trichur District Gazetteer ( History ), Chapt. II / p.100 , from the book ' Syrian Christians of Malabar, by K.E.Job. ).The latter part of the legend was cross verified from the locals by  historians like Ananthakrishna Ayer and Placid Podipara). Visiting the large area comprising the ancient Palayur church, most northerly of the ' 'seven churches', about a mile away from Chavakkad, veteran Hindu scholar-historian and Anthropologist, L. K. Ananthakrishna Ayer says," On a recent visit to the village, I was shown the site of the temple, the tanks adjoining it ( the Taliyakulam ), some ruinous wells here and there, an image of the Hindu deities ... It is believed that in consequence of the 'desecration of the village by the Apostle',the Brahmins who then remained true their faith,cursed the place as Sapakkad , forest of curse , and removed to the neighboring villages.... Not far from the village of Palayur, in the Syrian town of Kunnamkulam, settled the descendants of the Brahmin converts from the abandoned village, among whom many of old social customs were once vogue, some being still observed". ( Ananthakrishna Ayer,  Anthropology of Syrian Christians,  p.15 - 16. ).  
. There are a number of ancient Malayalam songs (folklore and legends ), written as well as oral, depicting the mission and martyrdom of St.Thomas, in minute details and inseparably linked with certain specific families and places, existing even today. These songs are widely circulated not only in Kodungallur, Chavakkad, Palayur, Kunnamkulam areas but also in other parts of Kerala, from time immemorial. Not only among Christians, but also among the other communities as well. 
The lyrical ballads , depicting the tale of Thomas, and his first converts, said to be the re-written version of the centuries' old oral tradition. Examining the the type of language ( Malayalam), used for the available manuscript-copy of this ancient song, linguistic scholars opined that  it has a comparatively recent origin, say 16th century, hence reluctant to give  any historical value.  However, it looks unique and a replica of local tradition of Malabar embedded in, will give  corroborating evidence to construct the real history.
Archaeological  evidences :
As mentioned earlier, it is a fact that there is no direct archaeological evidence to substantiate the visit of St. Thomas, more so because there are hardly any historical remains, either from the sites of the 7 churches, believed to have been built by St. Thomas.or any other parts of Kerala. The archaeological excavation, in the recent past, at Pattanam, near ancient port-town of Muziris ( Kodungallur), provides some positive or supportive or circumstantial evidences to the incidents narrated in the Saint Thomas tradition.  Though these findings are not sufficient to prove the visit of Apostle Thomas, as such, but strong enough to provide collateral evidence to this historical probability. In short, though there is clear evidence for existing a vibrant (Nasrani) Christian community, in Kerala right from the early century of the Christian Era, there is no contemporary, written documents to prove that it is the result of the missionary work of St.Thomas. But one should admit that historian can hardly find any contemporary written documents attesting the visit of the Apostle in India. In other words,paucity of sources, providing direct archaeological and epigraphic evidences, is a major challenge for St.Thomas studies.    
The reasons for this sorry state of affairs too are varied.1) The ancient Christian community in Malabar, by nature, has no historical consciousness and habit of keeping records ( other -than some family-histories of later origin). 2). There were no royal patronage or compulsion, as in the case of Hindus.3).The coastal belt of MALABAR,where almost all the Syrian churches and establishments situated, were subject of annual rain fall ,flood and sea erosion, and other extreme climatic changes. 4 ) Deliberate  destruction of ancient Syriac, Hebrew  and other documents, in possession of these ancient, Christian community, by the Portuguese Colonial regime, during the unauthorized Synod of Diamper, 1599. 
Though there are no direct, documentary evidences,from Kerala/India,a good number of
historians, Indian as well as foreign,consider St.Thomas tradition , as a historical probability without reservation, in the condition of the circumstances like time,geography,climate,and other factors prevailed in the 1st century and indirect evidences available in various sources referred in this series itself. Among the early literary references about the Apostle in ancient foreign languages , some are having historical value and some others in the form of legends or apocryphal works, having some historical elements.
Sanctity for depending on epigraphic evidences from secondary sources:

As the scope for obtaining direct evidences from Kerala/India, is very limited, academicians, and researchers are bound to look for direct, or indirect evidences from secondary sources, out side India too, especially in West Asian countries, comprising the birth place of Christ and Christianity.
These sources are, mainly in the form of writings and testimonies of Early-century Church Fathers, like Origen (186-255 AD),Ephrem (373), Jerome ( 345-420), Eusebius( 260-340), Ambrose( 333-397), etc. Chronicles of World travelers, like Theodore of Syria, Mar Esoyab, Cosmos Indicopleustes, Marco Polo, Nicolo De Conti, etc. ,several liturgical texts,martyrrologys,  and ecclesiastical calendars in Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, and Latin and other languages, though contemporary, in the strict sense, which provide direct and indirect epigraphic and circumstantial  evidences about the Indian mission of the Apostle.Besides there are apocryphal works,and mythologies, with historical contents ( Acta Thomae, Doctrine of the Apostles  etc.), useful as collateral evidence to the tradition.
 Let us first deal with two such apocryphal Syriac works viz. Acts of Thomas and Doctrine of the Apostles.

“Acts of Thomas” ;

The oldest and prolific document,concerning the mission of St.Thomas in India, is “Acta Thomae”. According to this apocryphal work, of 2nd or 3rd century,A.D., of a Gnostic romancer (name, unknown) ,written in the style of “Acts of the Apostles”, in the Bible, originally written in Syriac. It says  that St.Thomas, first preached gospel in North India, in the Kingdom of Gundapher and later in the Kingdom of Mazdai, where he was martyred. Though this book gives an elaborate description about the mission St.Thomas, with special reference to North(West) India, it contains more supernatural and fictitious stories than history. But, after the archaeological  excavations carried out in Takshashila(Taxila), and the discovery of “Gondophares coins” from Pathankot-Kandahar area, pinpointing line of King Gondophares of Indo-Parthian Dynasty, ruled up to 50.AD, historians began to give  importance to the descriptions in this fiction.Basing on this,some historians argue that St.Thomas under took two  ( or more )  journeys to India,the first by overland, to North India, probably in the year 40 A.D., and the other via Socotra, through sea routes to Kodungalloor. But this may not be helpful to prove the South Indian mission of St.Thomas due to various reasons. The South Indian tradition about his arrival to Kodungallur (Muziris),52,A.D., is one year after the death of Gundaphar ! Further, we can hardly find a Christian community in any of these areas claiming as descendants of early converts of St.Thomas.The connecting link between King Gundaphar and Apostle Thomas also is found wanting. At the same time, it may be noted that, even if North Indian mission is historically proved, it will, in no way, contradict the Malabar tradition. For there is clear reference in the Acts about an apostolate,  in another kingdom where St.Thomas was martyred and buried. C.M.Augur , ( in his book ‘Church History of Travancore. P.8 – 12 ), referring to the 'loose' tradition that still holds amongst the Syrian Christians, presents a different version, ‘Christianity was introduced into Malabar , by the Apostle Thomas ,who was started from Syria, in AD 35, and spending some years in North India , entered the Malayalam country, in the year, AD 52.He is supposed to have landed at the Island of Malayankara  or Malanadu,as it was then called, between Paroor and Cranganoor...’
Doctrine of the Apostles ( Didascalia )
Another 3rd century apocryphal, Syriac work, '' The Doctrine of the Apostles" , also called the Edassene Canons, of unknown author, in the form of an ecclesiastical Calender, provides a more clear and authentic description about the arrival, mission and martyrdom ( at Mylapore) of St.Thomas in India. This work, clearly shows that Christianity was known to have reached in Parthia and India before the close of the 2nd century. Unlike the Acts, it’s narration is fully in tune with the South Indian, Catholic tradition.
“ India and all its countries and those bordering on it, even the farthest sea,received the Apostle’s hand of priesthood from Judas Thomas, who was guide and Ruler in the Church, which he built there, and ministered there” ( W.Cureton, Ancient Syriac Documents, p 26. )

Historians who attest  the Indian visit of St.Thomas .
It is a fact that western scholars, in general, initially rejected the Malabar tradition of Saint Thomas's evangelization of India,' as a pure legend as there is no direct evidence to support the claim'. This was mainly because, their knowledge about ancient India, its diverse people and culture, geography etc. was limited and prejudicial. But later,on studying the plethora of writings by Early Church Fathers,World travelers etc. in various languages Hebrew, Syriac,Greek, Latin etc.( through English translations), a good number of them were compelled to change their original stand and accept the Malabar tradition about the visit of Saint Thomas, at least as a ''credible historical probability".

As mentioned in the beginning,large number of World historians, like Oxford historian, Vincent Smith and English Ethnographer, Edgar Thurston, see, nothing inherently improbable in this age-old tradition ie., an Apostolic origin to Indian ( Malabar) Christianity, even though there are no direct archaeological evidences in support of it. (At the same time, it must be admitted that majority of the historians,who, despite reservations to call it a' historical event',has no reluctance to accept it as a 'historical probability'.Of course, there are/were historians of repute who consider the whole story as a myth and legend and challenge the claim in toto; but they are only a minority.)
As per one estimate, the following scholars, foreign or Indian ( Kerala ),consider the Apostolate of St. Thomas in South India, as historical and certain ( not a legend or myth):
1 ) John . P. Maffeus ( 1605 ), 2) Joseph Simon Assemani ( 1728 ), 3 ) J.F.Raulin (1745 ), 4 ) Claudius Buchanan ( 1814 ) , 5 ) Mathias. H. Hohlenberg ( 1822 ), 6 ) E.C. Kenneth (1877 ), 7 ) Sylvian Levy ( 1897 ) 8 ) Alphonse. E.Medlycott, 9 ) Karl Heck ( 1911 ), 10 ) Joseph Dahlmann ( 1912 ), 11 ) Ladislauss Zaleeky (1915 ), 12) Alaons Vath ( 1918 / 1925 ) , 13 ) , Albert Gille ( 1924 ) ,14 ) Henry Hosten ( 1936 ) , 15 ) John Stewart ( 1928 ) , 16 ) George Shurhammer ( 1934 ) 17 ) Bernard Thoma ( 1934 ) , 18 ) P.J.Thomas ( 1920 ), 19 ) K. N. Daniel ( 1950 ),20 ) E. M.Philip (1950 ),21 ) A.C.Perumalil ( 1952 ), 22 ) Mark. J.Moraes ( 1964 ) , 23 ) P. Thomas ( 1965 ) , 24 ) Z.M.Paret (1965 ),25 ) Placid Podipara ( 1966 ), 26 ) George Menacherry ( 1973 ) , 27 ) Joseph Kolengaden(1965 ), 28) Thomas. J.Navakatesh ( 1967 ) , 29) V.C.George ( 1969 ) , 30 ) Guseppe Sorge ( 1983 ), 31 ) A. Mathias Mundadan (1984)),32 ) Xavier Koodapuzha , ( 1998 ), 33 ) K.S.Mathew ( 2001 ), 34 ) Pius Malekandathil ( 2001 ), 35 ) James . J.Kurukilamkatt ( 2005 ), and 36 ) George Nedungatt ( 2008 ).
Among the World Travelers, Theodore of Syria, Mar Esoyab, Greek traveler -Cosmos Indicopleustes, Venetian traveler - Marco Polo , Oderic of Pordenone, John Maringoli, Nicolo De Conti,etc are protagonists to this view point.
Further, we can see an ocean of religious literature in various foreign languages ,like Syriac,Hebrew,Greek,Latin,English etc.,in the form of testimonies by Early Church Fathers, like Origen(186-255),Eusebius (260-340), Chrisostom (347-407), Ephrem (300-373 ),Gregory Nazianzen(329-390), Ambrose (333-397), Jerome (345-419),Isidore (560-636) and several Martyrologies, Liturgical texts and Ecclesiastical calenders etc. endorse the Indian Apostolate of St.Thomas. Though ,direct archaeological evidence, from Kerala in this regard is scanty,many of the secular historians from Kerala/India, like, K.P.Padmanabha Menon, Sardar Panicker, A.Sreedhara Menon, Dr.K.N.Panicker etc. and  the author of Travancore State Manuel, too, are broadly in agreement with the South Indian tradition,on the basis of the indirect and circumstantial evidences available in many foreign languages.  (The divergent view of prominent old generation historian,T.K.Joseph,is a noteworthy exception.According to him,St.Thomas did not evangelized(South) India, instead he preached in Parthia,martyred,and buried in Parthia only ).
Kerala historians opposing the tradition:
Among the present day historians, eminent Indian ( Kerala ) historian,Dr. M.G.S . Narayanan, is holding a view point, diametrically opposite to that of a good majority of Indian and Foreign historians. He is not at all ready to accept the Malabar tradition about St.Thomas even as a ' probable historical event'. Basing, mainly on the research findings of Prof. Elamkulam Kunjan Pillai, about the antiquity of Namboodiri-Brahmin settlements in Kerala, he not only question the veracity of this theory but also compare it with Parasurama myth. But despite his in principle agreement with MGS, eminent Kerala historians, like Prof. A. Sreedhara Menon, and Dr. Rajan Gurukkal, hold a divergent views on the subject, saying that presence Brahmins, might go back to the first century B.C., as per the clear reference in the ancient ,Tamil literature.  At the same time, Dr.Rajan Gurukkal, is not agreeing with this view point, in toto. According to him,the presence of Brahmins in Kerala,might go back to the closing centuries of the first millennium B C . ( St Thomas Christians and Nambudiris,- p.109.). Renowned historian, A.Sreedhara Menon, in his book referred this issue.Though he agrees with William Logan's, views about the large scale exodus of Brahmins from Southern Karnataka; but is terming his negative stand about early migration ( before 8th century A.D.), is not at all valid. For, there are evidences in the Tamil Sangam literature to the effect that Brahmin influence in Kerala society goes back to early centuries of Christian era. ( A.Sreedhara Menon, Kerala Charithram, Malayalam, p. 128. ). 
In this context we have to analyse on what all points there is acceptability among the secular historians and what are the controversial points and what is the extant of disagreement etc.

St.Thomas Studies and vested interest groups.

A critical  review of the hitherto existing literature on Apostle Thomas and Antiquity of Indian Christianity by historians and others,will reveal that many of them are written under the influence of vested interests or with East-West bias. These interests may be Colonial, parochial , communal or sectarian. Though this generalization is more evident in the case of Western authors ,Eastern and Indian (Kerala)authors including Church historians are not free from this criticism. Because of this ,we cannot fully depend on a particular writer or School of Thought and an objective analysis is very difficult. Before making such an attempt ,one moot question will arise. Who wants to prove that Apostle Thomas did come to India? In my humble opinion, the Syrian Christian community only. What about the World Christianity and foreign authors ?
Right from the Portuguese period ,Western missionaries have an inclination to prove that Christianity is a European product and Apostle Thomas not evangelized India. They only are responsible for the concerted missionary activities in this land .They felt that,for establishing and nurturing their missionary monopoly, and Religious Colonialism, Indian mission of St.Thomas , and the existence of a Syrian-rite Christianity with Apostolic linage under the Babylonian Patriarchate , were true impediments. This prejudicial approach is clearly visible in most of the writings on the subject by Colonial authors.
What about the section of Christians proselytized by the Portuguese ?
Most of them,and their authors,like to brand the mission of St.Thomas and the legacy of Thomachristians as sheer legends and myths,rather than history.( eg. The writings of DrJohn Ochanthuruth, Fr. George Veliparambil etc.).The pride and prejudice about Namboodiri origin and the so called caste superiority, are not liked by them.
What about the secular historians of Kerala/India? In the academic or university level ,in the recent past no serious studies have been taken place. It is a pity that the limited number of academicians who undertook such a task also are led by narrow political, parochial or communal prejudices. Because of their reluctance to go beyond the beaten track and satisfy with superfluous studies, unable to reach in a correct conclusion. The articles of Dr.MGS Narayanan  on the subject, are classic examples.


Evidences from Indian sources:
The presence of a Christian community numbering about 6 million in the State of Kerala, in the Western coast of South India, from the first century itself, designated as St.Thomas Christians , in a way, is a living evidence for the Apostolate of St.Thomas ( People or community from no other part of the world, are questioning such a claim or making a counter claim). In view of the extensive trade relations that existed between Malabar and the Mediterranean’ countries before the Christian Era, there is nothing ‘inherently improbable’ in this tradition, apostolic origin of Malabar or Malankara church. But the question is, can this  be proved using epigraphic and archaeological or any other methods acceptable to secular historians?
As mentioned earlier,  it is a fact that there are no  contemporary written documents to show in evidence of the presence of Apostle Thomas in India. So also is the matter of direct Archaeological evidences. Some valuable old records of these Christians in Syriac, Hebrew etc, probably throwing some light to this puzzle, were brutally set fire by the Portuguese Colonial masters, in the name of Nestorian herecy, during the ‘ unauthorized’ Synod of Diamper of 1599. The ancient, Syriac documents forcefully collected from Nazranis and burned,  included those of famous library and Episcopal archives of Angamaly, and books from at least  59 churches, including Cheppad and Chengannur.  Referring to this heinous action , eminent historian and Orientalist Cardinal Tisserant says, "In India the big auto-da-fe ordered at Diamper was responsible for the loss of many manuscripts. Their colophons would probably have disclosed many details about the local history of the Malabar Syrians ". (Eastern Christianity in India, Tisserant, p.24 ).
Evidences from Seven Churches :
As per Nazrani tradition,and clear reference in the Rambanpattu, Apostle built Seven ( Seven and a half ? ), churches or Christian settlements in the Malabar coast – Kodungalloor, Palayur ( Palur ),Kottakkav ( Paravoor ), Kokkamangalam, Niranam , Kollam & Chayal ( Nilakkal ).Opinions varied about ‘ Arappalli’ or ‘ half Church’. For some writers, it is the ancient church at Thiruvithancode and for some others it is Malyattoor Kurissumudi . As per the statement of Syrian writer, Governor Moens, in his memorial that “ the prevalent belief is, that Thomas after labouring on the Coromandel coast, went to Cranganore, and converted many, and also at Maliancara ( near Palliport ),Cottecay, Repelim, Gokkamangalam, Ternetta and TernettaTiroewangotta, ( probably Travancore), built some Churches, ordained two priests, and returned to the Coromandel coast”.( Qtd.by Francis Day, in ‘ Land of Perumals’,p.212. ). But his number is not tallying with the traditon !( The list given by C.M Agur : 1. Maliyankara 2.Cottacayil 3.Gokkamangalm 4.Paruetta 5.Chayel ( Nilakkal ) 6.Karukkanikollam & 7.Paloor ( Palayoor ); also several chapels.).
 Though we can identify some distinct structures in the sites of the so called “Seven Churches”, traditionally attributed to St.Thomas, they are destroyed or rebuilt, partly or fully, hence cannot be taken as remnants  of the original churches. The extensive area surrounding Palayur Church (Thrissur), and Kottakkavu ( Paravur), comprising all the specific places mentioned in the ancient songs,  and the tomb of the Apostle at Mylapore, are exceptions.
The original church, founded by apostle Thomas at Palayur ( Paloor / Chattukulangara ), a combination of Hindu architectural-style and Persian church-plan, was by converting the Hindu temple, deserted by the section of Hindu Brahmins who cursed the place ( as ‘Sapakkad’ ) and migrated to some other village. It was made of teak-wood and stone. The roof of the church raises like a tower above the nave.The entrance was like a Hindu style ‘mandapa’, in Indian architecture. It had a pillared outdoor hall or pavilion for public rituals. There is evidence that, in the colonial period, in 1607,an Italian Jesuit missionary,in the Zamorin’s territory, James Fenicio, built a stone-church out side ancient wooden church.( His original plan was to rebuild a new style church on the old structure, changed the plan following the protest of the locals citing the disastrous ‘ consequences’ of it’s demolition.) A letter of this missionary,(quoted by Jarric), gives valuable information  about the old-wooden church looks as a Hindu temple,using burned bricks and teak-wood.( Foot note: ). Another authority testifies  about Palayur church is carmelite missionary, Paulinus padre. The wooden church was attacked by Tippu, in 1792. ( Thomapedia, p.212 ).+
 One of the ancient palm-leaf documents,  called ‘Grandhavariyola’,kept by a local Brahmin family, Kalathur Mana, ( presumably, successors  of Namboodiries,who had moved out from Palayoor,during the preaching ) testifies the date of the gospel work of St.Thomas. The document says, ‘Kalivarsham ( year ) 3153 ( 52 A D ), a foreigner Sanyasi came to our village ( gramam ), preached there , causing pollution’. Therefore, we came away from that village’.( Qtd. by E.R.Hambye )

Sanctity for depending on evidences from secondary sources : 

.As the scope for obtaining more direct evidences from Kerala/India is very limited due to the reasons cited above, academicians and researchers have to look for direct or indirect evidences from secondary sources, outside India too, especially in West Asian countries comprising the birth place of Christ and Christianity and Acts of the Apostles.

The age of the ancient songs (ballads) like Rambanpattu is disputed, by Malayalam literary scholars like Vallathol Narayana Menon and Chummar Choondal, on the ground that the available copies of these folk songs seems to have been written some time in 15th century only. Hence references in the type of songs can be taken only as supportive evidence to  presence of Syriac Christians in Malabar from the early centuries of CE. Hence, let us see the secondary sources,  providing direct or indirect evidences, in the coming chapters.