Vethamonickam: The Pioneer of Christianity in Travancore

MAHARASAN VETHAMONICKAM, born in 1763 in the village of Mylaudy in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district, is remembered as the first Christian convert in Travancore.

Raised in a Hindu family, his life changed dramatically when he chose to embrace Christianity -- a decision that shaped not only his own path but also left a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s religious landscape. Vethamonickam’s baptism in 1799, influenced by the work of missionary William Tobias Ringeltaube, marked a major turning point in his life.

Some sources mention his first baptism by Jesuit missionary Fr. Giovanni Battista Buttari on May 14, 1745, suggesting early Christian influences in his family. After his baptism, Vethamonickam dedicated himself to sharing the Gospel, first within his family and village, then across Tamil Nadu. His mission work laid the foundation for early Christian communities in a traditionally Hindu region, leaving a legacy that endures in Tamil Christianity today. He passed away in 1827, resting in the land he served, his work continuing to inspire generations.

Travancore, once a historic princely state in southwestern India, is now part of Kerala. Initially part of the ancient Kerala (Chera) kingdom, it became an important trading region. In the 11th century, it came under the Chola empire, and in the 16th century, it was held by the Vijayanagar empire. By the mid-18th century, Travancore became an independent state and allied with the British. In 1956, it joined with Cochin to form Kerala, known today for its high literacy rate and progressive history.

Had Vethamonickam not been born, this remarkable chapter in the history of Christianity in South India might never have been written. He laid the foundation for the spread of Christianity in South India.

This was my first time learning about this remarkable soul, and I felt truly fortunate to visit his tomb on 23 October 2024. There, we paid our respects and offered a prayer of thanksgiving for his extraordinary contributions and lasting impact.

Here are some photos of his tomb and the words he cherished...