A pictorial blog about the historic monuments and religious artefacts of St. Thomas Syrian Christians (Mar Thoma Suriyani Nasranis) of Kerala-the oldest Christian community of India. All the known pre-Portuguese churches in Kerala, particularly the ones existed in the time of the Synod of Diamper (1599), and the churches established in the 17th and 18th centuries will be explored, with a special focus on their indigenous and foreign architectural elements. Since traditionally, St. Thomas was martyred at the suburbs of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, the concerned sites would also be included. Altogether, a total of 234 churches will be covered in this blog. For a complete list of the churches and their locations in map, scroll down to the end of the blog. Most of the photographs were taken between the periods of 2015 to 2018, and any changes in the structure or the appearance of the monuments after this period are generally not accounted for.

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

A Few More Sketches of the Syrian Christian Churches of Kerala from 19th Century

1) A SYRIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCH (1855)
In an 1855 issue of the 'Wesleyan Juvenile Offering', we find this beautiful picture of ‘A Syrian Christian Church’ from Kerala, but the church is not named. [Don't miss the very insightful comments to this post by George Lino.]

2) A SYRIAN CHURCH (1871)
Rev. Samuel Mateer, a missionary of the London Missionary Society, has following fine sketch of a 'Syrian Church', published in 1871, in 'The Land of Charity-A Descriptive Account of Travancore and its People'. Though, Mateer does not not specify the church by name, Kunankulam (Kunnamkulam) and A'rthatty (Arthat) are two Syrian churches the author reports of having personally visited on 23 February, 1868. However, the sketch is from Kottayam Cheriapally., and you can see the remarkable resemblance between them in the structure and alignment of the front porch, side porch, facade etc. (see comments below)

KOTTAYAM ST. MARY'S SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OR CHERIAPALLY  (Today)

3) A SYRIAN CHURCH (1872)
Another work of interest from the same period, ‘The Syrian Christians: Narrative of a Tour in the Travancore Mission of the Church Missionary Society’ (1872) by the CMS missionary, John M. Barton has this beautiful drawing of an unnamed church, and the caption attached says, “Syrian Church-two Catanars in front”. In this chapter, Barton mentions about staying in the premises attached to the Syrian Church at 'Kayen Kulum' (Kayamkulam) on his way down from Mavelicurra (Mavelikkara) to Quilon (Kollam) and halting at another village having a newly renovated little church with a fine porch. However, the drawing provided in his book is also from Kottayam Cheriapally (see comment section). Compared to Mateer, Barton's drawing is made from a slightly different angle lacking the front porch, but with the full side porch, a priest house and a well included.

KOTTAYAM ST. MARY'S SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OR CHERIAPALLY  (Today)

4) KOTTAYAM VALIAPALLY (1887)
Two more sketches of interest to be mentioned here is that of Kottayam Valiapally, by Rev. C. A. Neve, Principal of the C.M.S. College at Cottayam, which was re-drawn for reproduction by Miss C. M. Beynon, in 'The Church Missionary Gleaner' issue of 1887. The pictures depict Valiapally's facade (west) and side (north) views. The captions given  for these sketches are 'Wallia Palli, or Old Syrian Church, Cottayam', and 'Wallia Palli from the River with Roman Catholic Church in the Foreground', respectively.

4.1 FACADE (WEST) OF KOTTAYAM VALIAPALLY (1887)

4.1  FACADE (WEST) OF KOTTAYAM VALIAPALLY (Today)

4.2 VIEW OF KOTTAYAM VALIAPALLY FROM NORTH (1887)
The buildings in the sketch: at the foreground facing the river are the Catholic church (right) and its priest house (left); the church on the top of the hill at the background is the Kottayam Valiapally (Knanaya St. Mary's). The Catholic church is today known as St. George Knanaya Forane Church, Edackat (Est. in 1822) and the clergy house functions as Mar Makil Museum.

Assuming the sketch is a true representation of the church complexes, we can observe that the Valiapally and the priest house have been substantially modified structurally, however, the Catholic church has remained relatively less altered.

VIEW OF NORTH-EAST CORNER OF KOTTAYAM VALIAPALLY (Today)


MAR MAKIL MUSEUM & ST. GEORGE KNANAYA CATHOLIC FORANE CHURCH (Today)
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14 comments:

  1. George LinoApril 26, 2021 at 4:07 AM

    The church shown in Rev. Samuel Mateer’s book can be only that of Kottayam cheriya pally. The open front porch, the side porch seen at the right corner, the designs in the pediment and the facade are all identical with that of Kottayam cheriya pally. Similarly, the church shown in John M. Barton‘s book is also that of Kottayam cheriya pally. The side porch of the church, the location of the priest house, the perfectly aligned pillars of priest house and the even the staircase at the left corner of the vicarage are all matching with only that of Kottayam cheriya pally. Since Kottayam was a major centre of the Anglican missionaries, they probably had easy access to the Kottayam Cheriya pally and the image of the same might have been used as a representative of the other Syrian churches in Kerala too.

    Regards,
    George Lino

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  2. George LinoApril 26, 2021 at 6:11 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. Dr. Laju Paul K.April 26, 2021 at 1:10 PM

    Thank you for your valuable suggestions and really appreciate your thoughtful comments. You were absolutely right about the Kottayam Cheriapally. I therefore stand corrected and have made the necessary modifications in the text with appropriate photographs added. The Wesleyan image will remain a mystery, but your keen observations are much helpful for a better understanding.

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  4. Dr. Laju Paul K.April 26, 2021 at 10:19 PM

    Just a query regarding the 'St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral at Kanjirappally' that you mentioned in the comment section. Please correct me if you meant Karthikapally instead of Kanjirappally. If not, were you suggesting the Kanjirappally Pazhayapally (Syro-Malabar) as I am not aware of a St Thomas Orthodox Cathedral at Kanjirappally.

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  5. George LinoApril 27, 2021 at 1:56 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  6. George LinoApril 27, 2021 at 2:10 AM


    As regards the image of the church shown in ‘Wesleyan Juvenile Offering’, at present there are very few churches in Kerala that is stylistically similar to it. The St.Thomas Orthodox Cathedral at Karthikappally comes very close to the one in the image. As shown in the image, Karthikapally church too have a triangular frontal exposition instead of a facade. The side verandas too exists but now enclosed and with arches. However, the gap between the roof of the main church structure and the roof of the side verandas are quite identical. In the image, a bullock cart can be seen passing through the left side of the church which might suggest that there exists a public road in that side. Similarly, a major public road passes via the left side of the Karthikapally church at a close distance as shown in the image. The pyramid shaped roof of the chancel seen in the image however doesn’t match with the current chancel. The shape of the present chancel also looks different from that shown in the image due to the extended back and extensions in the sides. However, the position and shape of the window in the chancel structure is quite similar. The current sanctuary of the church have a pointed arch ( which I believe was popular only after the arrival of Anglican missionaries) instead of the usual vaulted arch seen in old Kerala churches. Hence, it is sure that the original structure of the chancel too have undergone modifications along with renovation of the sanctuary. Old photographs of the church from at least half a century back might be helpful in determining the original shape of the chancel and if the image is indeed that of Karthikappally church.

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  7. George LinoApril 27, 2021 at 2:13 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  8. George LinoApril 27, 2021 at 2:13 AM

    Sorry, I only meant Karthikappally. It was a typo error since I was making use of predictive text. The comment has been now corrected and reposted.

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  9. George LinoMay 4, 2021 at 2:43 AM

    I hope you wouldn’t mind me adding a few more points to argue the ‘Wesleyan’ image in favour of the Karthikappally church!

    Why the sketch of the church as seen in the ‘Wesleyan’ image was made from the side rather than the front? Obviously, the side view was more imposing rather than front view. A triangular frontal exposition to a westerner may remind of the peasant buildings in Europe and may not awoke a feeling of admiration. Hence the side view was preferred since the artist could capitalise the length of the building to awoke a feeling of grandeur. The length of the Karthikappally church building is really significant as no other church in Kerala looks this long from outside. Currently, the church looks even longer than it really is due to the employment of a number of small arches to enclose the verandas. Later, the arches were used to reclaim the space around the left side of the chancel structure as well, the right side of the chancel still not enclosed (The large window seen in the ground floor of the chancel as depicted in the ‘Wesleyan’ image can still be seen from the unenclosed right side of the chancel). The arches were built upon the sitting walls of the old veranda and is placed quite closely (the arches couldn’t be made broader since it was to be constructed in between an already existing roof structure and the sitting walls of the veranda as seen in the ‘Wesleyan’ image), the large number of the arches deceives the onlooker into believing that the church is extra long.

    Since the ground floor of the chancel (from the unenclosed right side) looks identical to the one in the ‘Wesleyan’ image, it might be safe to assume that only the upper floor of the chancel was demolished and reconstructed in the present form. When and why it was reconstructed is another question. Anyhow, the demolition of the chancel may not have evoked much sentiments since the presence of a ‘canopy’ above the altar table of the church indicates that it was devoid of any ‘Thora (the decorated ceiling seen in the sanctuary of the old Kerala churches) and might have looked very plain from inside. Perhaps, the only other church in Kerala with a similar canopy above it’s altar is the ‘Qadeesha Syrian church, Kollam’ which was constructed in 1519 and before the reconstruction of the karthikappally church in 1581. Like, Karthikappally church, Qadeesha church too is devoid of any ‘Thora’. It is likely that the idea of a ‘canopy’ for the altar table in Karthikappally church was borrowed from Qadeesha church(The distance between both churches being around 50 km’s). The canopy of the Qadeesha church also looks more similar to a traditional processional canopy with crosses on the corner poles whereas the canopy of the Karthikappally church looks more evolved. It is also notable that the altar table of the Karthikappally church is wooden while almost all the old churches in Kerala have a built in altar table against the sanctuary wall. The altar table is probably built only after the canopy was made. The angel figures on the canopy and the altar table is similar but the ones on the table is again more developed. The current altar table also have inbuilt provisions for electrical lights and whether they are modern additions to an existing altar table is again not clear. Only because both the altar table and the canopy being of wood and hence portable, the chancel structure could be modified without any guilt or sentiments. Thus, if the church seen in the ‘Wesleyan’ image sheds the upper storey of the chancel and allow the pillared verandas to be enclosed with arches, it cannot be any other but Karthikappally church.

    Thanks and regards,
    George Lino

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  10. Dr. Laju Paul K.May 5, 2021 at 11:18 AM


    The Wesleyan image is intriguing as you don't find this architectural style in a typical Syrian church of Kerala today. However, as you have pointed out in the sketch, the absence of a facade and the arrangement of the roofs of main sanctuary and side verandahs in two tiers, show remarkable resemblance with Karthikapally church. It is true the Karthikapally has a very long roof and only a few churches would come even close to its size in Kerala, however, Kallooppara could be an exception. The canopy of the altar and the wooden altar table of Karthikapally are unique features and thanks for bringing it into my attention. Nevertheless, the absence of an imposing facade in pre-Portuguese churches of Kerala is not atypical as you find this feature still in a few older churches, eg. Kanjirapally, Chengannur, Thiruvithamcode etc. We also know that the previous churches of Kundara, Kallada, Kayamkulam etc., lacked a facade-all demolished now for the new church. In the case of Torahs, the presence of a flat roof instead of a vaulted roof over the altar is also seen in older churches like Kollam Kadeeshapally, Udayamperoor old church, Thiruvithamcode, Karthikapally etc.

    Here are a few issues that concerns me with the comparison of both churches. The verandahs of Karthikapally are closed and arched, forming two long corridors on each sides, and assuming it was done later (i.e. after 1855), one should be able to detect the merging of the old and new architecture styles if the original structure is from 16th century. Another issue here would be that the two side porches of Karthikapally are absent in the Wesleyan image, so were they also a novel addition? The major concern however is regarding the structure of the Madbaha (chancel). Except for the shape of the lower window which you suggested, there is hardly any resemblance of the chancel in the sketch with altar of the church at Karthikapally. In the drawing, the altar is noticeably taller, narrower, and the roof of the chancel is 4-sided when compared to the 3-sided altar roof of Karthikapally church. The lower window is positioned very close to the main sanctuary inner wall in Karthikapally (on the south side of the chancel- opposite side of the sketch), but in the Wesleyan image it is in the middle. Not only that, in Karthikapally, the width (east to west) of the whole Madhbaha from top to bottom is more than double the size of the chancel in the drawing. This would then bring into question whether the full chancel was completely replaced or modified substantially, and if so, why was it done, considering that the existing sanctuary was quite impressive.

    It is said that before the Karthikapally church assumed its present shape, the original building had thatched roofs, which eventually came to be replaced by mud tiles. If it is indeed the case, the roofs were tiled before 1855 and alteration of the altar and side verandahs were done after that. Ideally, if we could trace a photograph of the church from early period (preferably late 19th century or early 20th century at the latest), that might answer many of these speculations.

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  11. George LinoMay 7, 2021 at 11:04 AM


    While making the suggestion relating the Wesleyan image to the Karthikappally church, I was aware of the other three churches that still exists with a triangular frontal exposition. I also knew about the other churches you have mentioned that was demolished in the last century. I however narrowed down to Karthikappally church based on the assumption about the road passing through the left side of the church. In the Wesleyan image a road can be seen passing in front of the church, then taking a right turn to the left side of the church. At the right corner of the Wesleyan image a waterbody (indicating the presence of a river/ lake) can be seen in the other side of the road in front of the church. Similarly a road passes in front of the Karthikappally church at a distance of around 100 meters (the road might have been more closer to the church in the past) and then takes a right turn to the left side of the church. In the other side of the road in front of the church is a canal/ Thodu that reaches a larger water body at a short distance away. Among the churches you have mentioned, only the Kayamkulam Kadeesha church have a road passing through its front side and then at the left side. I however rejected the Kayamkulam church due to the absence of a water body in the other side of the road passing in front of the church.

    The second major assumption I made was that the present chancel structure of the Karthikappally church might have been reconstructed/ modified. The relatively modern looking upper windows (and with stained glass!) of the chancel and the pointed arch of the sanctuary convinced me into reaching this assumption. Please let me know if any of the old Kerala churches have a pointed arch for it’s sanctuary. The Niranam church have pointed arch for its sanctuary but as we all know it was reconstructed in 1912. Though unrelated, an interesting thing to note is that the much later built Karthikappally Mar Thoma syrian church, located adjacent to the Karthikappally church have a chancel structure as seen in the Wesleyan image. This shows that the four sided chancel roof was popular in the area and the Mar Thoma church itself may have copied the shape from the old chancel of the Karthikappally church.

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  12. George LinoMay 7, 2021 at 11:05 AM

    The lower window in the right side of the Karthikappally church’s chancel is in fact positioned exactly in middle of the chancel wall. It looks misaligned from outside due to the extension of the right side veranda by one more arch, thus enclosing a part of the chancel wall. If you look at the lower window in relative to the position of the two upper windows, you can immediately understand the same. Alternatively, if you look at the position of the lower window from inside of the sanctuary, you could see that it is positioned in the middle of the wall.

    The Madbaha of the Karthikappally church still have a window in it’s left side (which corresponds to the lower chancel window seen in the Wesleyan image). The window opens to a room in the left side of the Madbaha that acts as a shrine for St. Thomas at present. Opposite to the window is the second door of the Karthikappally church from the chancel area. The Karthikappally church have no windows in its nave other than the two windows on either side of its Madbaha. Since the right window of the Madbaha directly opens to the open, it can be assumed that the left window too opened to outside in the past before the left side of chancel was enclosed. The design of the wooden rafters seen in the shrine room (to which the left Madbaha window opens) deviates from the rafters seen in rest of the corridor (which indicates that this portion was constructed at a different time). The rafters seen in the shrine room are heavily carved while the ones in rest of the corridor is very simple. Similarly, if we compare the ceiling of this enclosed area to the underside of the balcony in the nave, we can find considerable differences. The joists of the balcony are devoid of any carving while that of the shrine room have flowers carved in it. Further, the wall plate of the balcony have elaborate designs while that of shrine room is very simple.

    Regarding the two side porticos, I am of the opinion that the right portico was built much earlier than the one at the left side. The right portico have two elegantly carved stone pillars while the pillars of the left portico are very crude (stone working skills generally comes down with every generation!). The right portico might be still in existence when the Wesleyan image was made while the left portico was built much later to match the right one.

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  13. George LinoMay 7, 2021 at 11:09 AM

    Yes, I admit that all these assumptions can be proved only if we get a very early photograph of the church showing its chancel. As the windows of the enclosed verandas have sliding wooden reeper locking system (Saksha) instead of bolts, they are probably built around a century ago. As per my theory, the verandas of the church was first enclosed and converted into a corridor. They then wanted to enclose the open left side of the chancel as well. However, to enclose this portion it was necessary to insert a wall plate in the main wall of the chancel to support the beams, joists and the ceiling. Hence the upper storey of the chancel was sacrificed and brought into the current shape.

    The church in the Wesleyan image looks like having a clay tiled roof. This is in fact quite surprising since the common Manglore tiles were yet to be made widely available (or can this be the older fish scaled roof tiles seen in old Kerala palaces and temples?).

    Though the Karthikappally church and the Kozhancherry church have a triangular frontal exposition, I still consider both of them a hybrid of Kerala and Portugese styles due to the pillar like reliefs and plaster decorations in its front side. In contrast, the Kundara church, the Kollam Kadeesha church etc had just blank walls in the front side of the church pierced only by the front door and the windows above. I consider the latter style predate the style seen in Karthikappally church.

    The Kallooppara church you have mentioned is a real gem among Kerala churches due to its pristine appearance from the two sides and it’s immediate surroundings. The only thing that would make me frown about the church is the presence of a copy of the painting ‘Christ praying in the garden of Gethsemane’ inside the Madbaha, which is a 19th century work made for a Baptist church in US, thus looking out of place in an oriental church with claims of centuries of existence. The demolition of the Kundara church you have mentioned is a real loss to the christian heritage of Kerala. Not only because it was conical but because it also had a Padippura, hence if the church was still standing it would have been a complete sample of the old Kerala church architecture. Among the existing churches, the Kollam Kadeesha church can be easily reconverted back to its original shape since only its triangular front was altered, rest of the church being largely intact.

    Thanks and regards,
    George Lino

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dr. Laju Paul K.May 9, 2021 at 3:24 AM

    Thank you for putting a lot of effort in studying this image and I see your strong points, especially about the water body and the modifications carried out in the chancel. I admit that I didn't have the opportunity to explore the structure of the church in such depth and detail, as you have done here efficiently. There is a very high probability that this image belongs to Karthikpally church. Let's hope we would soon come across a photograph of the church that can settle this once and for all!

    ReplyDelete

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DETAILS OF THE CHURCHES EXPLORED IN THIS BLOG


I) LIST OF CHURCHES

The blog will go through 234 churches established at various periods, out of which 23 are sites associated with the legends of St. Thomas, the Apostle (1st century A. D.); 148 churches are dated between 2nd and 16th centuries; and 63 churches are from 17th and 18th centuries. It must be noted that the chronologies of the churches listed below, especially the ones before the arrival of Portuguese in 1498 are mostly based on information gathered from local traditions as well as the data given in respective church souvenirs, diocesan directories, ecclesiastical records etc. It is quite intriguing how St. Thomas Christians assign such specific early dates purely based on traditional accounts, when archaeological or epigraphical data supporting these claims are sadly negligible to nil. Today, neither a pre-16th century church building survive in their original built-form nor a complete sample exists in Kerala. This should not strike you as particularly odd since most early churches were small, built of perishable materials like thatched palm leaves, straw, bamboo poles, wood etc., and they would not have lasted more than a few decades in the harsh monsoon weather conditions of Kerala. A significant proportion of the current church buildings are from mid- 20th century or later periods and they have been renovated or rebuilt several times since inception and are beyond recognition of their original form. Nevertheless, indigenous architectural elements and characteristics of the pre-Portuguese buildings are still retained in certain forms or patterns in a few surviving old churches. Unfortunately, given the popular trend among the parishioners to demolish old and unfashionable church buildings with massive and luxurious concrete structures with bold expressions, these old churches of traditional forms are also prone to significant alteration or total destruction.

Documented evidence and reports from early Portuguese period suggest around 100 churches existed at the time of the Synod of Udayamperoor/Diamper (1599) that can be classified as pre-Portuguese. However, when multiple foundation dates are reported for a church, it is generally safe to accept the later dates as the more reliable ones. Regarding the supposed first-century settlements, most of the sites shown today are relatively modern and meant to commemorate and symbolically represent events associated with the St. Thomas legends of the location. For instance, Azhikode (No: 1) and Kokkamangalam (No: 4) claim St. Thomas connection, but foundation of the earliest shrines on the site was laid only in the 20th century. On the other hand, churches in Palayur (No:2), North Paravur (No:3), Niranom (No:5), Thiruvithancode (No: 7) and Mylapore (No: 8 to 10) are older and definitely pre-Portuguese in origin. In certain cases, rival factions argue over who holds the ancient site and have churches close to each other, eg. South Paravur (No: 56 & 57), Chembu (No: 111 & 112), Punnathra (No: 174 & 175) etc. Similarly, when multiple churches at a location share identical establishment dates, the later dates are more acceptable, eg. Angamaly (No: 36, 41 & 41), Akaparambu (No: 38 & 39) etc. Take the case of Karakunnam twin churches (No: 92 & 120), the Catholic Church was established only in early 19th century and a 14th century date can be easily discarded.

The abbreviations used here mainly refer to the various denominations of St. Thomas Christians: SM, Syro Malabar; SO, Syrian Orthodox; LC, Latin Catholic; MT, Mar Thoma Church; MIC, Malabar Independent Church; KN-J, Knanaya Jacobite; KN-C, Knanaya Catholic; CSI, Church of South India; ASI, Archaeological Survey of India. The churches in Chennai are abbreviated RC (for Roman Catholic) and are shown separately since they do not belong the Syro-Malabar Catholic community of Kerala. The majority of indigenous churches (about 70%) discussed in this blog are currently owned by three main denominations of the Syrian Christians of Kerala, viz. the Syro-Malabar Catholic (107 Churches), the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Churches, the latter two are Oriental Orthodox sister churches and are classified under Syrian Orthodox (together they own 54 Churches). The LC churches (a total of 56 here, but the list is incomplete) in general are not pre-Portuguese (with rare exceptions) in origin and have hardly preserved any indigenous or Syrian Christian elements, but are still included since their foundation dates are pre-1800. The Knanaya communities (Catholic and Jacobite) do not consider themselves St. Thomas Christians but believe their ancestry to be from the Jewish Christians migrated from Middle East in the 4th Century A. D., and they own 7 historic pre-Portuguese churches. The church buildings belonging to Syro-Malankara (Catholic) and Church of East (Chaldean) denominations are not considered as they are 19th century or even later in origin. The post-synod of Diamper churches explored here are limited to the 17th and 18th centuries only. Interestingly, Tipu Sultan’s invasion coincides with late 18th century and has resulted in the destruction of many churches and the beginning of 19th century was a new phase with the emergence of novel Christian settlements and churches. Leaving aside a few architecturally important churches, I have not included structures whose foundation dates are from 1800 and afterwards. Most of the photographs were taken during my visit to the sites from 2015 to 2018.

THE COMPLETE LIST OF 234 CHURCHES-arranged chronologically based on the earliest traditional dates of establishment

No.

Place

District

Name

Date

1

Azhikode, Kodungalloor

Thrissur

St. Thomas/Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine (SM)

1st C., 1953

2

Palayur

Thrissur

St. Thomas Forane Church (SM)

1st C.

3

North Paravur

Ernakulam

St. Thomas Forane Church, Kottakkavu (SM)

1st C.

4

Kokkamangalam/Kokkothamangalam

Alappuzha

St. Thomas Church (SM)

1st C., 1900

5

Niranam

Pathanamthitta

St. Mary's  Valiyapally (SO)

1st C.

6

Nilackal/Chayal

Pathanamthitta

St. Thomas Church (Ecumenical)

1st C., 1983

7

Thiruvithamcode, Nagercoil

Tamil Nadu

St. Mary's Church or Thomayar Kovil Arapally (SO)

1st C.

8

Mylapore, Chennai

Tamil Nadu

St. Thomas/San Thome Basilica (RC)

1st C., 1523

9

St Thomas Mount, Chennai

Tamil Nadu

St. Thomas Mount National Shrine & Our Lady of Expectation Church (RC)

1st C., 1523

10

Little Mount, Chennai

Tamil Nadu

Shrine of Apostle St. Thomas & Our Lady of Good Health Church (RC)

1st C., 1551

11

Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai

Tamil Nadu

Descanso or Our  Lady of Visitation Church

1st C., 1650-1683

12

Piravom

Ernakulam

St. Mary's Piravom Valiyapally/Rajadhirajah (3 Kings) Church (SO)

4th BC, 2nd C., 390, 9th Cent

13

Arthat

Thrissur

St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral (SO)

1st C., 999

14

Aruvithura (Erattupetta)

Kottayam

St. George Forane Church (SM)

1st C., 151, 301

15

Cherpunkal

Kottayam

Mar Sleeva (Holy Cross) Forane Church (SM)

1st C., 1096, 1111-12

16

Kothamangalam

Ernakulam

St. Mary/Martha Mariyam Cathedral Valiyapally (SO)

1st C., 4th C., 498, 1240, 1340, 1343

17

Malayattoor

Ernakulam

St. Thomas/Mar Thomma Kurishumudy Church (SM)

1st C., 1595

18

Maliyankara

Ernakulam

St. Thomas Chapel (LC)

1st C., 1953

19

Mathilakam

Thrissur

St. Joseph's Church (LC)

1st C., 1767

20

Mylacombu

Idukki

St. Thomas Forane Church (SM)

1st C., 600, 686

21

Mattel Thuruth

Alappuzha

St. Thomas Mattel Church (SM)

1st C.

22

Port Kollam, Pallithottam

Kollam

St. Mary/Our Lady of Purification Church (LC)

1st C., 1329

23

Thuruthoor

Ernakulam

St. Thomas Church, Sinai Mount (LC)

1st C., 1914

101-1499

24

Kuravilangadu

Kottayam

St. Mary’s Forane (SM)

105, 335, 345

25

Mattam/Mattom

Thrissur

St. Thomas Forane (SM)

140, 480, 550, 900

26

Pallippuram-Cherthala

Alappuzha

St. Mary’s Forane (SM)

290, 3rd C.

27

Ambazhakad

Thrissur

St. Thomas Forane (SM)

300

28

Chengannoor

Alappuzha

St. Mary's. Old Syrian Church (SO & MT)

300, 1175

29

Kadambanad

Pathanamthitta

St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral/Valiyapally (SO)

325

30

Thevalakkara

Kollam

Mar Abo/Martha Mariam Church (SO)

4th C., 9th C.

31

Pazhanji

Thrissur

St. Mary's Church (SO)

4th C., 1249, 1852

32

North Pudukad

Thrissur

Our Lady of Mount Carmel (SM)

400

33

Parappukkara

Thrissur

St. John's Forane (SM)

400

34

Puthenchira

Thrissur

St. Mary’s Thazhathapally (SM)

400

35

Kaduthuruthy

Kottayam

St. Mary’s Forane Valiyapally (KN-C)

400, 510, 1456, 1500

36

Angamali

Ernakulam

St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Soonoro Cathedral (SO)

409, 9th C.

37

Kalloorkadu/Champakulam

Alappuzha

St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM)

427, 550

38

Akaparambu

Ernakulam

Mar Saabor Aphroth Church (SO)

450, 825

39

Akaparambu

Ernakulam

Ss. Gervasis and Prothasis Church (SM)

450, 1541

40

Angamali

Ernakulam

St. George Basilica (SM)

450

41

Angamali

Ernakulam

St. Hormis Kizhekkepally (SM)

480, 1540, 1585

42

Kuruppampady

Ernakulam

St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Cathedral (SO)

498, 1067, 1150, 1240, 1300, 1355

43

Kottoor, Kolencherry

Ernakulam

St. George Orthodox Syrian Church (SO)

5th C., 9th C., 15th C.

44

Paliakkara, Thiruvalla

Pathanamthitta

St. George Orthodox Church (O)

5th C., 1814-1815

45

Enammavu

Thrissur

Our Lady of Mount Carmel (SM)

500, 510

46

Edapally

Ernakulam

St. George Forane Church (SM)

503, 593

47

Muttuchira

Kottayam

Holy Ghost Forane Church (SM)

510, 550, 1400

48

Udayamperoor

Ernakulam

Ss. Gervasis & Prothasis/St Mary's/Synod of Diamper Old Church (SM)

510

49

Chalakudy

Thrissur

St Mary’s Forane Church (SM)

600

50

Moozhikulam

Ernakulam

St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM)

601, 650, 691

51

Kolenchery

Ernakulam

Ss.Peter and Paul Church (SO)

650, 1474-75

52

Thumpamon

Pathanamthitta

St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral (SO)

717

53

Karingachira

Ernakulam

St. George Jacobite Syrian Cathedral (SO)

722

54

Kandanad

Ernakulam

St. Mary's Orthodox Church (SO)

775

55

Thazhekkad-Avittathoor

Thrissur

St. Sebastian Church  (SM)

800

56

South Paravur

Ernakulam

St. John the Baptist Church (SO)

802

57

South Paravur

Ernakulam

St. John the Baptist Church (SM)

802

58

Manakodam, Thekke Thuravoor

Alappuzha

St. George Forane Church (LC)

805, 1640

59

Kayamkulam

Alappuzha

Kadeesha Orthodox Cathedral (SO)

824

60

Kothanalloor

Kottayam

Ss.Gervasis & Prothasis Forane Church (SM)

826, 1220, 1320

61

Karthikapally

Alappuzha

St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral (SO)

829, 1240, 1581

62

Athirampuzha

Kottayam

St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM)

835

63

Kundara

Kollam

St. Thomas Orthodox Valiyapally (SO)

835

64

Kanjoor

Ernakulam

St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM)

863, 1001

65

Kadamattom

Ernakulam

St. George Syrian Orthodox Church (SO)

865, 950

66

Pazhuvil

Thrissur

St. Antony's Forane Church (SM)

883, 960

67

Kottayam

Kottayam

St. Mary's Valiyapally (KN-J)

890, 1550

68

Kallada West

Kollam

St. Mary's Orthodox Valiyapally/Mar Anthrayos (SO)

9th C.

69

Mundenveli/Mundamveli

Ernakulam

St. Loius/Santiyago Church (LC)

9th C.

70

Arimpur

Thrissur

St. Antony's Church (SM)

900

71

Malayattoor

Ernakulam

St. Thomas Church/Thazhathapally (SM)

900

72

Nakapuzha

Ernakulam

St. Mary’s/Mother of Mercy Church (SM)

900

73

Velayanad /Veliyanad

Thrissur

St. Mary's Old Church (SM)

900

74

Pallikkara-Morakkala

Ernakulam

St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral (SO)

905

75

Manarcadu

Kottayam

St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral (SO)

910, 920

76

Mapranam

Thrissur

Holy Cross/Mar Sleeva Church (SM)

928

77

Manjapra

Ernakulam

Holy Cross Forane Church (SM)

943, 1401

78

Mavelikara

Alappuzha

St. Mary’s Orthodox Church/Puthiyakkavu Pally (SO)

943, 964

79

Chennamkary West

Alappuzha

St. Joseph's Church (SM)

977, 1801

80

Vadayar

Kottayam

Infant Jesus Church (SM)

977, 997, 1001

81

Arakuzha

Ernakulam

St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM)

999

82

Kottekad

Thrissur

St. Mary’s Assumption Forane Church (SM)

999

83

Nediyassala

Idukki

St. Mary’s Church (SM)

999, 1400

84

Kadaplamattom

Kottayam

St. Mary’s Church (SM)

10th C.

85

Mattancherry

Ernakulam

Church of our Lady of Life (LC)

10th C., 16th C.

86

Kaduthuruthy

Kottayam

St. Mary's Thazhathapally (SM)

1001, 1009

87

Vadakara

Ernakulam

St. John's Jacobite Syrian Church (SO)

10th C., 1096

88

Pala

Kottayam

St. Thomas Cathedral (SM)

1002

89

Bharananganam

Kottayam

St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM)

1004, 1100

90

Muttam, Cherthala

Alappuzha

St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM)

1023

91

Chowara

Ernakulam

St. Mary's Church (SM)

1025, 1100

92

Karakunnam

Ernakulam

St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral (SO)

1065, 14th C., 1792

93

Chendamangalam

Ernakulam

Holy Cross Church (SM)

1075, 1201, 1577

94

Lourdupuram, Kanjiramkulam

Thiruvananthapuram

Our Lady of Lourdes (LC)

1087, 1905, 1914

95

Kannamcode, Adoor

Pathanamthitta

St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral (SO)

1100

96

Mulanthuruthy

Ernakulam

Marthoman/St. Thomas Church (SO)

1100, 1125, 1225, 1575

97

Ernakulam

Ernakulam

St. Mary’s Cathedral/Our Lady of Ports/Thekkepally (SM)

1112, 1175

98

Mammalassery

Ernakulam

Mar Michael Orthodox Church (SO)

1113, 1159

99

Changanacherry

Kottayam

St. Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral/Valiyapally (SM)

1117, 1177

100

Edakochi

Ernakulam

St. Lawrence Church (SM)

1119

101

Kudamaloor

Kottayam

St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM)

1125, 1175, 1425, 1505

102

Vettikkal

Ernakulam

St. Thomas Dayara Chapel (SO)

1125, 1200, 1815

103

Mulakulam

Kottayam

Mar Yuhanon Ihidoyo Orthodox Church (SO)

1134, 16th C.

104

Cheppadu

Alappuzha

St. George Orthodox Valiyapally (SO)

1175

105

Thripunithara

Ernakulam

Nadamel St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church (SO)

1175

106

Palluruthy

Ernakulam

St. Mary's Syrian Church (SM)

1191

107

Chittatukkara

Thrissur

St. Sebastian's Church  (SM)

1200, 1770

108

Vaipur

Pathanamthitta

St. Mary's Pazhayapally (SM)

1212

109

Alangad

Ernakulam

St. Mary’s Church (SM)

1300

110

North Kuthiathode

Ernakulam

St. Thomas Old Church (SM)

1301

111

Chembu/Chempu

Kottayam

St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Church  (SO)

1306-07, 1370

112

Chembu/Chempu

Kottayam

St. Thomas Church (SM)

1306-07, 1370

113

Vaikkom

Kottayam

St. Joseph's Forane Church (SM)

1309, 1391, 1809

114

Muthalakodam

Idukki

St. George Forane Church (SM)

1312

115

Kallooppara

Pathanamthitta

S.t Mary's Orthodox Church  (SO)

1339

116

Njarackal

Ernakulam

St. Mary’s Church  (SM)

1341, 1451

117

Koratty

Thrissur

St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM)

1381

118

Poonjar

Kottayam

St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM)

1381, 1542, 1600

119

Kovilthottam, Chavara

Kollam

St. Andrew's Church (LC)

1398

120

Karakunnam

Ernakulam

BVM Rosary (St. Mary) Catholic Church (SM)

14th C., 1817

121

Puthupally

Kottayam

St. George Orthodox Church  (SO)

14th C., 1557

122

Alappuzha

Alappuzha

Mar Sleeva Forane Church (SM)

1400

123

Kottapady

Thrissur

St. Lazar's Church (SM)

1400

124

Vallam, Chelamattom-Rayonpuram

Ernakulam

St. Theresa of Avila Forane Church (SM)

1401

125

Thathampally

Alappuzha

St. Michael's Church (SM)

1404, 1600

126

Purakkad

Alappuzha

Holy Cross Church (SM)

1410, 1570

127

Maramon

Pathanamthitta

Mar Thoma/St Thomas Church (MT)

1440

128

Kanjirappilly

Kottayam

St. Mary’s Pazhayapally or Akkarapally (SM)

1450

129

Ramapuram

Kottayam

St. Augustine's Church (SM)

1450, 1599

130

Kothamangalam

Ernakulam

Mar Thoma/St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Cheriapally (SO)

1451, 1455

131

Nechoor

Ernakulam

St. Thomas  Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church (SO)

1455

132

Kudavechur

Kottayam

St. Mary’s Church/ Vechoor Church (SM)

1463

133

North Paravur

Ernakulam

St. Thomas  Jacobite Syrian Church (SO)

1490, 1566

1500-1599

134

Thumpoly

Alappuzha

St. Thomas Church (LC)

1500, 1600

135

Valappad

Thrissur

St. Sebastian's Church (SM)

1500

136

Burnassery, Kannur

Kannur

Holy Trinity Cathedral (LC)

1501, 1792

137

Kothamangalam

Ernakulam

St. George's Cathedral (SM)

1501, 1770

138

Saude, Mundamveli

Ernakulam

Church of Our Lady of Health (LC)

1501

139

Kanjirakode, Kundara

Kollam

St. Antony's Forane Church (LC)

1502

140

Fort Kochi

Ernakulam

St. Francis Assissi Church (CSI)

1503

141

Pallipuram/Palliport

Ernakulam

Basilica of Our Lady of Snow/Manjumatha Church (SM)

1503, 1507, 1602

142

Vypin-Ochanthuruth

Ernakulam

Cruz di Milagres Church/Kurishingal (LC)

1503 , 1560, 1573

143

St Angelo Fort, Kannur

Kannur

St. James Chapel (ASI)

1505

144

Fort Kochi

Ernakulam

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica (LC)

1505

145

Tuet/Tuyyam

Kollam

St. Sebastian's Church (LC)

1510, 1745

146

Kozhikode

Kozhikode

Mother of God Cathedral (LC)

1513, 1599

147

Thirumullavaram

Kollam

St. John the Baptist Church (LC)

1518

148

Kollam

Kollam

Kadeesa Syrian Orthodox /St. Thomas Church (SO)

1519

148a

Elanji

Ernakulam

Ss. Peter & Paul Forane Church (SM)

1522

149

Vallarppadam

Ernakulam

Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom (LC)

1524

150

Mayyanad, Kottiyam

Kollam

St. Jacob's Church (LC)

1527

151

Thangasseri

Kollam

Infant Jesus Cathedral (LC)

1529

152

Valiathura

Thiruvananthapuram

St. Antony’s Forane Church (LC)

1530

153

Thuruthipuram

Ernakulam

St. Francis Assissi Church (LC)

1531, 1533

154

Thankey, Kadakkarappally

Alappuzha

St. Mary's Forane Church (LC)

1538, 1583

155

Maruthoorkulangara, Karunagapally

Kollam

Three Kings Church (LC)

1548

156

Mattancherry

Ernakulam

Holy Cross/Bent Cross Church (SM)

1550

157

Pulinkunnu

Alappuzha

St. Mary's Forane Church (SM)

1557

158

Mampally, Anjengo

Thiruvananthapuram

Holy Spirit Church (LC)

1568

159

Omallur, Manjanikkara

Pathanamthitta

St. Thomas Syrian Orthodox Valiyapally  (SO)

1573

160

Kottayam

Kottayam

St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church/Cheriyapally (SO)

1575, 1579

161

Chungam

Idukki

St. Mary's Forane Church (KN-C)

1579

162

Kallissery

Alappuzha

St. Mary's Knanaya Catholic Valiyapally (KN-C)

1580

163

Kayamkulam

Alappuzha

St. Antony's Church (LC)

1580

164

Neendakara

Kollam

St. Sebastian's Church (LC)

1580

165

Arthunkal

Alappuzha

St. Andrew's Forane Basilica (LC)

1581, 1584, 1590

166

Kattoor

Alappuzha

St. Michael's Forane Church (LC)

1590

167

Koduvila

Kollam

St. Francis Xavier Church (LC)

1598

168

Kozhencherry

Pathanamthitta

St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church (MT)

1599

169

Venduruthy

Ernakulam

Ss. Peter & Paul Forane Church (SM)

1599

170

Venmony

Alappuzha

St. Mary's Orthodox Valiyapally (SO)

pre-1599

1600-1799

171

Parassala

Thiruvananthapuram

St. Peter's Church (LC)

1604

172

Vypin

Ernakulam

Church of Our Lady of Hope (LC)

1605

173

Moothakara

Kollam

St. Peter's Church/Infant Jesus Shrine(LC)

1610

174

Punnathura

Kottayam

St. Thomas Valiyapally/Pazhayapally (KN-C)

1610, 1625, 1632, 1635

175

Punnathura

Kottayam

St. Thomas Vellappally (SM)

1625, 1898

176

Arthat

Thrissur

Holy Cross Church (SM)

1627

177

Painkulam/Paingalam

Kottayam

St. Mary's Church (SM)

1627

178

Pullichira

Kollam

Church of Our Lady of Imaculate Conception (LC)

1627, 1700

179

Uzhavoor

Kottayam

St. Stephen's Forane Church (KN-C)

1631

180

Kadanad

Kottayam

St. Augustine's Forane Church (SM)

1660

181

Pravithanam

Kottayam

St. Augustine Forane Church (SM)

1660, 1714

182

Lalam

Kottayam

St. Mary's Church (SM)

1661, 1663

183

Sampaloor, Palayamparambu

Thrissur

St. Francis Xavier Church (LC)

1662

184

Kovilakathum Kadavu, Palliport

Ernakulam

St. Rockey's Church (LC)

1664

185

Arinalloor

Kollam

St. George's Church (LC)

1668

186

Chathiathu, Pachalam

Ernakulam

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (LC)

1673

187

Varapuzha-Edampaadam

Ernakulam

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church & St Joseph's Church (LC)

1673

188

Kuttivattom Jn, Vadakkumthala, Karunagapally

Kollam

Three Kings Church (LC)

1679

189

Kattoor-Edathiruthy

Thrissur

Our Lady of  Carmel Forane Church (SM)

1680, 1760

190

Eravipuram

Kollam

St. John the Baptist's Church (LC)

1684

191

Rakkad

Ernakulam

St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral (SO)

1687

192

Chemmakkad

Kollam

St. Sebastian's Church (LC)

1698

193

Mangad

Kollam

Holy Cross Church (LC)

1700

194

Kandanad

Ernakulam

Infant Jesus Church (SM)

1708, 1788

195

Pazhayangadi

Thrissur

St. Sebastian's Church (SM)

1712

196

Velur

Thrissur

St. Francis Xavier's Forane Church (SM)

1712

197

Kunnukurudy, Airapuram

Ernakulam

St. George Jacobite Syrian Church (SO)

1715

198

Ollur

Thrissur

St. Antony's Forane Church (SM)

1718

199

Kizhakkambalam

Ernakulam

St. Antony's Forane Church (SM)

1725

200

Thalassery

Kannur

Holy Rosary Church (LC)

1726

201

Parappur

Thrissur

St. John Nepumcian Forane Church (SM)

1731

202

Puthenangady, Kottayam

Kottayam

St. Thomas Kurishupally (O)

1731

203

Kalparambu

Thrissur

St. Mary's Forane Church (SM)

1733

204

Mahe

Mahe

St. Theresa's Shrine (LC)

1736

205

Perumanoor

Ernakulam

St. George's Church (LC)

1742

206

Ranni

Pathanamthitta

St. Thomas Knanaya Jacobite Valiyapally (KN-J)

1742

207

Kannamaly

Ernakulam

St. Antony's Church (LC)

1745, 1873

208

Kunnamkulam (Chiralayam)

Thrissur

St. Sebastian's Church (SM)

1747

209

Kunnamkulam (Chiralayam)

Thrissur

St. Lazarus Orthodox Syrian Church (SO)

1751

210

Mattancherry

Ernakulam

St. George Orthodox Koonan Kurishupally/Erimegapally (SO)

1751

211

Amaravila

Thiruvananthapuram

St. Antony's Church (LC)

1755, 1775

212

Chathannoor

Kollam

St. George's Valiyapally/Martha Mariyam Suriyanipally (SO)

1755

213

Vattayal

Alappuzha

St. Peter's Church (LC)

1760

214

Kumarakom

Kottayam

St. John Nepumsyon's Church/Kariyil Palli/Vadakkumkara Palli (SM)

1760, 1769

215

Kuruppampady

Ernakulam

Ss. Peter & Paul Church (SM)

1763, 1767

216

Pudukkad

Thrissur

St. Antony's Forane Church (SM)

1764

217

Thozhiyoor

Thrissur

St. George Malabar Independent Syrian Cathedral (MIC)

1772

218

Alangad

Ernakulam

Infant Jesus Church/Kunnelpally (SM)

1781

219

Mukkatukkara

Thrissur

St. George's Church (SM)

1784

220

Kandachira (Kollam)

Kollam

St. Thomas Church (LC)

1787

221

Meloor

Thrissur

St. Joseph's Church (SM)

1788, 1865

222

Varapuzha

Ernakulam

St. George's Church/Puthenpally (SM)

1788

223

Kunnamkulam (West Bazar)

Thrissur

St. Lazarus Orthodox Syrian Church /Pazhayapally (SO)

1789

224

Vlathankara, Chenkal

Thiruvananthapuram

Church of Our Lady of Assumption (LC)

1790

225

Thaikattussery/Thycattussery

Alappuzha

St. Antony's Church (SM)

1791

226

Thirunalloor

Alappuzha

St. Joseph's Church (SM)

1791, 1952

227

Pavukkara, Mannar

Alappuzha

St. Peter's Church (LC)

1792

228

Thayyil

Kannur

St. Antony's Church (LC)

1792

229

Vempuzha, Chingoli

Alappuzha

St. Thomas Church (LC)

1792

230

Puthencavu

Alappuzha

St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral (SO)

1793

231

Thattarambalam, Valiyaperumpuzha

Alappuzha

St. Sebastian's Church (LC)

1795

232

Aranattukara

Thrissur

St. Thomas Church (SM)

1796

233

Kottamam

Ernakulam

St. Joseph's Church (SM)

1779, 1799

The church at Elanji was added to the list later when the photographs were already uploaded. Thus, it had to be numbered 148a where it fits chronologically. This is done so that the serial order of photographs remain unaffected. The total number of churches therefore needs to be counted as 234. The photograph of Elanji church (148a) is clubbed with that of Venmony (170).

The above list is based on different documents including published books, parish directories, church souvenirs, journal articles, family records and various online resources. The data need not always be accurate especially in the case of online sources and family claims. However, as I have mentioned before, they are still included for giving an overall picture, but it is safer to accept the later dates. For instance, the churches at Lourdupuam (No. 94) and Thirunalloor (No. 226) are listed based on the earlier dates of their establishment, viz. 1087 and 1791, repectively. Although these dates are retrieved from the Catholic site, https://www.ucanews.com/, according to the corresponding church official versions, Lourdupuram was established in 1905 and Thirunalloor in 1952 only! Another example would be the Paliakkara church at Thiruvalla (No, 44) , the current church has a documented history from the early 19th century only, but according to a certain tradition (with no supporting evidence) Thiruvalla had a a Christian settlement in the 5th century!

 

II) GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS OF THE CHURCHES

Click the icon ‘View larger map’ on the right end corner of the map for the locations of all the 234 churches with their corresponding geographical coordinates. Note that the churches in the map are arranged alphabetically and not chronologically as in the table given above.