A Patriot, Former Senior NCC Under Officer, Good Singer and Shrewd Social thinker, Adminstrator Former Head-Master of a Hr Sec. School Mr. P. Rajiah, B.A, B.Ed and his illustrious Children

Introduction:   Former Higher Secondary School Head -Master late Mr. P. Rajiah, B. A, B. Ed was a colourful personality. He loved his mother land and so he served as a Senior N.C.C. Under Officer during his College days and, later for some years he served as an Officer in the Education Corps of the Indian Army. He was a visionary educationist, a good public speaker and talented singer, and a great social thinker. He reached some enviable places in his real life due his visionary thinking and relentless hard work. From an unknown tiny, remote village he bloomed as the first University graduate of his village and proved himself as a trailblazer for the rural students. A perusal of his real-life story will galvanise the readers with a good motivation and mould them to live a meaningful life.

                                                                Mr. P. Rajaiah, B.A. B.Ed,.

Mr. Rajiah's Parents and Birth:  Keekulam is a small and sweet village situated in Vallioor Block in Tirunelveli district and in this idyllic village there lived a farmer by name Mr Perinbanayagam with his beloved wife by name Mrs Yesuvadial . God blessed this couple with all the conjugal blessings, and this couple gave birth to Mr P. Rajiah on the 16 th of January 1937. 

Mr. P. Rajiah's Educational Track: After having successfully completed his School Education in Loal Schools Mr. P. Rajiah pursued his Teacher Training Certificate Course at Ambur Concordia Teacher Training Institute. He pursued his B.A, at the famous ST Hindu College Nagercoil While he was doing his B.A he passed the required NCC examinations and served as a Senior Under Officer. In 1965 he participated in the Independence Day Parade in New Delhi and he and his NCC friends were invited by the then President of India Dr. Radhakrishnan for Tea. On the occasion Mr. P. Rajiah sang the famous Tamil Song," THAMILAN ENTTU ORU ENAMUNDU THANIYA   AVARKKU   ORU KUNAM VUNDU" and his song was much appreciated by all.  

                                                 Senior NCC Under Officer Mr. P. Rajiah.

Mr. P. Rajiah began his Professional Career:    After having completed his Teacher Training Certificate course successfully Mr. P. Rajiah joined as a teacher in a IELC Lutheran school. Then he did his B.A, in the S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil, and passed his B.A and after having passed his B.A, he joined as an Officer in the Indian Army Educational Corps and served as an Education Officer for some years. in Pachmahri Cantonment, in Madya Pradesh and then he returned to his native village.  As, a visionary thinker he pursued, B.T. and passed his B.T.  After having passed his B.T, he joined as a BT Assistant in a IELC Lutheran High School. Simultaneously he was serving as Lutheran catechist also. He took active part in IELC Administration. In 1980s he served as the Secretary of IELC Nagercoil Synod with great efficiency. He also served as a Member of IELC Medical Board. 

                                              Mr. P. Rajiah and his Wife Mrs Indirani [L]

His Wedding:  Mr. P. Rajiah married Ms Indrani, B.Sc, M.Ed and she hailed from an educated family from Tiruchendur. She worked as P.G Assistant at Govt Hr Sec Schools at Kayalpattinam, Tiruchendur, and Vallioor.  God blessed Mr. P. Rajiah and his dear wife Ms Indrani with all the conjugal blessings and this couple gave birth to the following children:

            [   L to R: [1] Mr. Joel Maneksha,[2] Mr. Jawahar Rajiah,[3]  Mr. Niven Mathew, [4]                         Mrs.Sara Christina Niven [6] Mrs Violet Malar Jawahar and [6 Dr,Joshua Navin Raja.] 

[1 ]  Mr. Jawahar, B.E[ Agri] he worked in Muscat, Dubai and currently he works in Doha, Qatar as Senior Irrigation Engineer with an American Multinational Technology company called Parsons Corporation and it focusses on infra structure engineering, etc. Parsons Corporation was included in the Fortune 1000 in 2020 and added to the S&P 400 in 2024. Er Jawahar married Ms. Violet Malar, a daughter of late Mr Mariadhas [ Indian Army] and this couple gave birth to the following children: [a] Dr. Joshua Navin Raja, M.B.B.S, and currently Dr. Joshua is working in Kanyakumari Mission Medical College, Muttom, [b] Mr. Joel Maneksha , B.Tech [ Agri Eng] from Karunya University and he works in Qatar, [c] Ms Sarah Christina, M.Sc [ Agri] and she is married to Mr Niven Mathew, M.E[ Mech] and he works as Software Engineer,  and this couple is blessed with a baby boy by name Jaden Lucas[ 2 months old],

  

[2] Dr. Rajesh, M.B.B.S M.D [Forensic science] works as HOD at Govt Medical College Asaripallam. He married Ms Merlin, M.Sc, M.Ed, and she is working as Head Mistress in a Govt Hr Sec School at Sanmugarengapuram. And this couple gave birth to the following children: [a] Ms. Dr. Rensha Caroline, MBBS, and she got 245 th rank in all India Neet exam and has joined M.D, in Tirunelveli Medical College recently, and [b] Ms. Hanah is doing her BDS in Raja Dental College, Vadakankukulam,

 

[3] Mrs. Dr. Priyadharshini, MBBS and she is working at a Primary Health Centre at Thirukanankudi and she is married to Dr. Mathivanan, MBBS, DCH, and he practices at Kalakadu This couple is blessed with the following children: [a] Dr. John Kingsley, MBBS and he is doing his MD [ Pathology in Chennai and [b] a daughter and she is doing her M.A[ English] in Tirunelveli 

[4] Mr. Ravindran, B.E, M.S[ IT] has completed his service with Bahwans Toyota Dealer in Muscat and Abu Dhabi. Now he resides at Vallioor.  He is married to Ms Eileeen, daughter of late Captain Moni and she is working as PG Teacher at Vallioor Concordia Hr Sec School and this couple gave birth to the following children [a] a daughter and she is doing her MD in Philippines, and [2] second daughter is doing her 12th Std. 

Conclusion:  Mr. P. Rajiah worked as BT Assistant and PG Assistant in Concordia High Schools and Hr. Sec Schools at  Putetti, Vallioor, Nagercoil and Vadakkankulam finally he retired as Hr Sec School Headmaster. As his illustrious forefathers he had been promoted to glory, but he lives in our minds. He was a smart man, he always dressed well and looked handsome, he always used to walk like a Soldier. He was an efficacious Teacher and good administrator. He rubbed his shoulders with all sections of people with ease. He lived like a trailblazer for the cause of education of his children and rural students. He had special compassion and concern for poor and marginalised people. He believed that education would liberate the under privileged people from all types of chains and ignorance...It is not possible to accommodate all the aspects of his real life within the space of this Blogpost and so I will end this Blogspot with the following sentence. "Dear Mr P. Rajiah was a remarkable man, he loved his mother country and its people, we thank God for him, and we are proud of him"

END

By. P. BABU MANOHARAN, M.A[ All rights are reserved. This Blogpost will be enlarged, modified or corrected later if needed]. 

A Former Diocesan Council Member of Kanyakumari CSI Diocese, A Remarkable Christian Believer, Educationist, Writer and Composer of Christian Songs, , and Former Chief Education Officer Mrs. P. Lydia Jessie Daniels, B.Sc, M.A, [Lit,], M. Ed,.

Introduction:  Former Chief Education Officer, Tamil Nadu Government, late Mrs P, Lydia Jessie Daniels, BSc, M.A. [Lit], M. Ed, was a remarkable and multifaceted lady. She was a woman of God, efficacious Teacher, good Administrator, and talented singer. Mrs Lydia Jessie was a visionary educationist, honest, efficient, unassuming and she was an ideal mother to her children, affectionate daughter to her parents, caring sister to her siblings and was a good citizen.  She hailed from an illustrious Christian family in Kanyakumari district, and her husband late Mr P.G Daniels was a direct descendant of Mylaudy Marasan Vethamanicakam. A perusal of her fertile profile will definitely galvanise the readers with high values, moral principles and guide them to live a meaningful life. 

                                                        Mrs. P. Lydia Jessie, M.A, M.Ed,.

Mrs. Lydia Jessie's Parents and her Birth:    Ms. Lydia Jessie's beloved father Pastor Packianathan, served as a MELIM/ IELC, Pastor. God blessed Pastor Packianathan and his beloved wife Mrs. Deivayee Packianathan with all the conjugal blessings and this couple gave birth to Ms Lydia Jessie on the 15th of January 1940 at Charalvilai village, in Kanyakumari district. As Ms Lydia Jessie was the youngest daughter of pastor Packianathan, he made sure that his youngest daughter Ms Lydia Jessie accompanied him on his various missionary and ministry travels, all the while sharing his Christian life and faith, he galvanised young Ms. Lydia Jessie to grow in Christian faith and also taught her many Christian hymns and lyrics, known to him. 

Mrs. Lydia Jessies' Siblings:         God blessed Mr Packianathan and Mrs Deivayee Packianathan couple with all connubial blessings and this couple gave birth to the following children: [1] Mrs. Sorna Bhai [Nurse] and she married Mr. Ponniah [Indian army],[2] Mr. Isaac Samraj [ Teacher  ] and he married Ms Nattachithram, [3] Mrs Grace Annapackiam [Teacher] and she married Mr Manuvel [Teacher] [4] Mr. Wilson karunakaran and he married Ms. Sarammah, [5] Mr. Bennet Vedachalam [Worked in Indian Railways] and he married Ms. Indu Kumari [ Teacher],[6] Mrs Lydia Jessie, M.A, M.Ed. [ The heroine of this Blogpost], [7] Mr. Asir Chellappa [Medical superintendent] and he married Ms Shanthi Chellappa [ T.N. Judicial Dept], [8] Mr. Robert Paul [ retired as Dy Thahasildhar] and he married Ms Selvapoorani [ Teacher]. and [9] Mr. Livingston, M.S.W, [ passed away in 1979 at an early age]

Mrs. Lydia Jessie's Educational Track:  As Ms Lydia Jesie's father Mr. Packinathan was serving as a pastor in Lutheran mission he was transferred from congregation to congregation frequently.  Ms Lydia Jessie did her Primary School studies and High Schools studies at various schools. She pursued her B.Sc, in Scott Christian College Nagercoil and passed her B.Sc. Later she passed her M.A  [ Lit] and M.Ed, at Mardurai Kamaraj University.

Mrs. Lydia Jessie's Wedding:    Ms. Lydia Jessie married Mr. Paules Gerald Daniels, B.Com, son of Mr. Devavaram Raj Daniels and Mrs. Mathal Packiam Daniel on 20th of August 1969.   Mr Paules Gerald Daniels hailed from an illustrious pioneer Christian family in Kanyakumari district. Mr. Paules Gerald Daniels' mother late Mrs Marthal Packiam's mother Mrs Jeevaretnam Cleb's father Mr.P. Vethamonickam[ Junior] was the son of Mrs. Packiyayi Packianathan of Mylaudy and Mrs, Pakiyayi Packianathan was a daughter of Mylaudy Maharasan Vethamonickam, the real Founder of Protestant Christianity in South Travancore [ A Hundred Years in Travancore , 1806-1906, compiled by Rev. I.H. Hacker, , London Missionary Society, LONDON , 1908. P.20 ] Mr. P.G. Daniels worked in the Govt of Tamil Nadu and retired as Industrial Co-op Officer.  Mrs. Lydia was really a like a fruitful vine in the heart of her home and by her prayers, built her home as a blessed green pasture for her husband and children and grandchildren. 

                                           Mrs. Lydia Jessie with her Husband and Children

Mrs Lydia Jessie Daniels' Children:    God blessed Mr P.G Daniels and Mrs Lydia Jessie Daniels with all the connubial blessings and this lovely couple gave birth  to the following children namely : [1]  Ms. Stella Packia Priya, M.Sc [ Physics],M.Ed, and she married Computer Engineer Mr Elil Arulraj, B.E, and he is working in I.T. sector in USA . The following are some of the important posts that Mr. Elil  held and holds  in USA:-[a]  From August 2017  till Feb 2021 he served as the Executive Director, Cybersecurity / Global head of Network Security [ HSBC] , Greater  New York City area, [b] He served as Senior Director, Global Head of Cybersecurity Engineering , and- Full Time, from June 2021 to Oct 2024  [3  years 5 Months], [c]  Currently he serves as Director , Cyber Security Engineering and Operations. The Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation [DTCC}, from Feb 2025 till date with great distinction and efficacy. This couple is blessed with two cute daughters namely [i] Ms. Jennifer Elil, M.P.H[ Masters in Public Health], University of Pittsburgh, USA and [ii] Ms. Jessica Elil, B.A. {psychology], Temple University, Philadelphia. Ms Stella Elil. M.Sc, M.Ed,.  is currently working as a Kindergarten Teacher in New Jersey, U.S A and [2] Mr. Clement Daniels, B.Sc. M.C.A, and he married Ms. Krithika Adrene daughter of Mr. A.J. Allan, B.Sc, and Mrs Ponmalar Allan on 24th May, 2002 at the CSI Home Church Nagercoil.  It would be interesting to remember one important fact that Mr Clement Daniles' paternal grandmother Mrs Martha Packiam and Mrs krithika Clement Daniels' maternal grandmother Mrs Davamani were sisters.  Mr Clement Daniels and his wife Krithika Clement are the great grandchildren of late Mrs Jeevaratnam Caleb and Mrs Jeevaratnam was a great granddaughter of Mylaudy Maharasan Vethamonicakam.. God blessed Mr. Clement Daniels and Mrs Krithika Adrene Clement with all the connubial blessings, and this couple gave birth to the following children namely:[1] Mr. Timothy Daniels and he is completing his B.Com at St. Joseph's Bangalore., [2]Ms. Joanna and she is doing her 2nd   PUC at Jyothi Nivas  P.U. College, Bangalore.. 

L to R: [1] Ms. Krithika Daniels [2] Mr. Timothy Daniels, [3[ Ms. Joanna Daniels [4[ Mr.Clemet Daniels and [5] Mr. P.G.Daniel[late}. 

Mrs. Lydia Jessie's Professional Track: After having passed her B.Ed examination she was appointed as a teacher at the Little Kanchipuram Govt High School in 1965. She worked as a responsible and efficient teacher in many Govt High schools and Govt higher Secondary schools in various districts in Tamil Nadu.  She was promoted as Head Mistress in the year 1981 and later she was promoted as an Inspector of schools. She served and decorated the education department in Tamil Nadu by her dedication, teaching efficacy and laudable administration and finally she retired as Chief Education Officer in January 1998.

Mrs. Lydia Jessie and Her Church Ministry: After her retirement Mrs Lydia jessie lived in her house at NGO Colony Nagercoil and took an active part in the Church related activities at St Pauls CSI Church, NGO Colony, Nagercoil. As an active member of the St Pauls C.S.I. Church, N.G.O. Colony, she made a special place for herself in the Church Choir and Women's Fellowship, and wherein she played different roles as Music Composer, Writer and music teacher.  Mrs Lydia Jessie had the honour of being the member of the Church Committee and Diocesan Council Member of Kanyakumari CSI Diocese from 2003 to 2006.  She had been a supporter and contributor towards various Christian outreach programmes of the Organizations like FMPB, IMS, Vishvavani, Tamil Village Gospel Mision and and Anaikumkarangal.

Conclusion:   Former Chief educational Officer Mrs Lydia jessie, had passed away from this world like his forefathers. After having fought a good fight for the cause of the cross, and after having finished her faith race successfully she was promoted to glory on the 5th of February 2017 to receive her crown of justice from her saviour Christ.  She lived a witnessing life and spent her days usefully and she lived a meaningful life. It is not possible to accommodate all the important chapters of her blessed life within the space of this Blogpost and so I will end this Blogpost with the following sentence. :"Mrs. Lydia Jessie was an efficacious and dedicated teacher. She was a woman of God, and she resembled the virtuous woman talked about in Proverb 31. We thank God for her meaningful life"

END                                                                                                                                                               By P. Babu Manoharan, M.A, [ All rights are reserved. This Blogpost will be modified, enlarged or corrected later if needed].

Co Founder of the Protestant Christianity in South Travancore, The Man who Built the First Protestant Church and English School in Travancore, A man who Fought against Cruel Taxes Rev. W.T. Ringel Taube. PART FINAL.

Rev. W.T. Ringel taube reached Mylaudy on 25th of April 1806:   On the 13th of April 1806, Mr Ringel Taube left Palayamcottah, taking a few men with him and started his journey towards Mylaudy in Travancore.  He did not travel straight but passed though some important congregations at Manappar, Trichendur, Alvar Tirunelveli, Samariapuram, Vundunculam and reached Vadakankukualm on the 24th of April 1806 and spent the night at Vadakanculam. During the early morning of 25th April 1806, Ringel Taube left Vadakankulam in Tirunelveli district, and travelled, and at noon he reached Aralvaoimozhi in South Travancore and passed through the Aramboli Ghat, the great green doorway to Travancore.  He reached Mylaudy the native Village of Maharasan Vethamanicakm, on the 25th of April 1806 and stayed at their small house for two days., where Mr. Ringel Taube preached and prayed, and spent the Lord's Day at Mylaudy. Next day a catechist from neighbouring district came to meet Ringel Taube and whose temporary care Ringel Taube left the infant flock at Mylaudy, on the arrangement that he has to come to Mylaudy once a week. Then Ringel Taube left Mylaudy and proceeded to Cochin to meet the British Resident Colonel Macaulay. to get permission to build a Christian Chapel at Mylaudy, and also to get some other reasonable favour and permissions. 

                                                       

                                                             Rev. W.T. RINGEL TAUBE 

Ringel Taube's Second Visit to Mylaudy and He baptised Forty Converts:  When the new converts from Mylaudy, promised that they will bear all the trials for Christ, Rev. Ringel Taube baptised the new converts.  The first to baptised were Vethamanickam's household, excluding Vethamanicakm for he had been already baptised by Rev J.C. Kohlhoff at Tanjore. Next, he baptised Mr Perumal the head of Vethamanickam's family with a new name Gnanamuthu. In all Mr Ringel Taube baptised forty persons with new names and most of them were Vethamannikam's near and distant relatives. Before Mr. Ringel Taube left Mylaudy, he requested Vethamanicakm, to build a small prayer house or Chapel near his house, till the sanction for the permanent Church should come.

       THE FIRST PROTESTANT CHURCH BUILT in TRAVANCORE AT MYLAUDY 1809.

 The First Protestant Church Built at Mylaudy 1809:   After the war between the British and the Travancore Govt came to an end, Ringel Taube came back to Mylaudy and held a thanksgiving service with his Christian flock and praised God for their deliverance from the horrors of the late war. He then directly went to Quilon where he met Col. Macaulay and once more applied for permission to build the first protestant Church, long denied to him and returned to Mylaudy to resume his evangelical work. The long, awaited permission came. Ringel Taube showed it to Vethajmanicakam and consulted him about the selection of a suitable site for the erection of the sacred Church.  Vethamanicakm and Gnanamuthu came forward to give their lands as gift, but Ringel Taube bought their lands at a nominal price, and the lands were transferred to the LMS. In May 1809 the foundation of the Church was laid in Vethamanickam's ground when the garden was still bearing the gingelly crop.  During this time Ringel Taube proposed to build a small bungalow near the Church ground. For the time being he occupied a small native hut near the selected spot, ten by six, furnished with a small native wooden table, one or two stools and a native cot. The newly built church at Mylaudy, was dedicated in September in 1809 by Rev. W.T. Ringel Taube and administered the Lord's Supper to the Christians This was the first protestant Church that was built Travancore.  To mark this important occasion Mr. Ringel Taube formally made Vethamanicakm, a Catechist. Having been made a Catechist at the end of 1809, Vethamanicakm entered upon his evangelical and ministerial work with all enthusiasm, zeal and joy [ Agur 554].

Rev. Ringel Taube and Vethamanickam established the first Seven LMS Churches in Travancore:  Having been made a catechist in 1809 by Rev. Ringel Taube, catechist Vethamanicakam entered upon his evangelical work with great enthusiasm and energy, and without wasting time Vethamanickam started to preach the Gospel of Christ in South Travancore in and around Mylaudy. At, first he focused his attention to convert his relatives and friends but unfortunately, he was not so successful in that effort but the Nadars of nearby villages readily and gladly listened to  Vethamanickam and accepted the Gospel of. Christ. Till the end 1809 there was only one Church that of Mylaudy for the use of Christians in South Travancore and so Rev. Ringel Taube obtained Travancore Government's permission in the beginning 1810, to build Churches in six other places. Ringel Taube immediately began to build small Chapels at the required places.           

Thamraculam[South]  LMS Church:   After  Mylaudy,  Vethmanickam  started his missionary work at South Thamarakulam and  he  was privileged to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to the people of South Thamarakulam  and they gladly accepted Christ and his Gospel. The people who accepted Christ from Thamaraculam were Vedamanickam Moopan of Santhivillay a suburb of the South Thamaraculam,  father of Devasagayam [a teacher of this place], Pakiamutthu Moopan, and Abraham Moopan, father of Arumanayagam Catechist [served as Supt of Mission fields] with all their families; and these were the first deacons of the Thamaraculam  LMS Church.  Mylaudy  Masillamani who accompanied Vethamanickam to Chidambaram was appointed as the first Catechist of Thamaraculam LMS. Church by Ringeltaube. Abraham  Moopan  [Perumal Nadar of Kottaiyadi]  was one among the first three Moopans[  Deacon] of Thamaraculam LMS Church and he was baptized by Mr.Ringel Taube at Thamarakulam LMS church in 1810. Later Abraham Moopan established a Church [LMS] in his native village Kotaiyadi.  Abraham Moopan begot Royan, Royan begot Arumainayagam[served as superintendent of  Thamaraculam  LMS  Mission paddy fields], Arumainayagam begot Daniel Vathiar , and Daniel begot the famous lawyer Packiaraj, and Packiaraj served as the Superintendent of Thamaraculam Mission paddy fields etc, of CSI Kanyakumari Diocese. A small Church building was constructed at  Thamarakulam [South] and was dedicated on the 10th of March 1810 by W.T. Ringel Taube. On that day Mr RingeTaube, baptized 40 people and two days after 12 persons were baptized.

                                                 

Puthalam LMS Church:  From Thamaraculam,  Maharasan Vethamanickam began the preaching of the Gospel of Christ in the villages on the western side of Thamarakulam,  a few men in Puthalam and Ettambully accepted the Gospel of Christ.  When Ringeltaube heard this glad news, he ardently visited these two villages and spiritually encouraged them.  Ringeltaube promised them to build Churches for them, for which permission was applied forthwith. Vethamanickam  had been preaching the Gospel, and he was enthusiastically supported by his sons Devasagayam and Moses, his nephew Masillamani, and Gnanamuthu the head man of Vethamanickam's family and some others. Puthalam Church building was a decent and modest building, and it was built mainly through the exertions of Gnanamuthu, the headman of the Mylaudy family.  The Puthalam church was dedicated on the 20th of July 1810 by Rev. W. T Ringel taube.  The decent and clean dress of the converts on the occasion of the dedication of the Church and their conduct and behaviour in general pleased the missionaries. Maharasan  Vethamanickam's eldest son Devasagayam was appointed as the first Catechist of Puthalam L.M.S. Church.

Picheikudiyirupu, Covilviley and  Athicad LMS Churches:  Rev. Ringel Taube with Vethamanickam and others  often travelled from village to village and preached the Gospel of Christ in many villages and consequently many people from Picheikudiyirupu, Athicad and Covilviley accepted Christ and were ready for  baptism, so Ringeltaube wrote to Mr  Koklhoff and obtained a few hands of trained catechists from Vethamanicakm's class from Tanjore and Trichinopoly and appointed them as Catechists over the new congregations. The Athicad LMS Church was dedicated on the 28th of July 1810, by Mr. Ringeltaube and he delivered the sermon, based on the text Hebrew 12:22 and he enlightened the people about the delights of Mount Zion and the heavenly Jerusalem

Ettambully LMS Church: The Church initially erected at Ettambully  was burnt down by the anti- Christian elements and so Mr. Ringel Taube made arrangements to build the second Church at Ettambully . The Second Church was dedicated on the 14th of October 1810 by Rev. W.T. Ringel Taube.  

Ammandivilley LMS Church:   By the tireless missionary efforts of  Mylaudy  Catechist Masillamani many people from Ammandivillai accepted the Gospel of Christ, on hearing the good news Mr. Ringel Taube with a burning desire visited  Ammandivilley and the people of the Ammandivilley, erected a nice small "Pandal" and in which they received him. He preached the Gospel from the latter portion of the St. Mathew, about the judgement day on the 24th February 1810,  In the night  of the same day Ringeltaube was sitting on the said Pandal and reading and explaining  the Holy Bible  and  while he was explaining the gospel to the  people  in the lamp light, a child of one of those present,  4 or 5 years old and born lame, left his mother and crawling unobserved towards Ringeltaube and caught his feet.  Ringeltaube spontaneously took the child in his hands without knowing that it was a lame one, and Mr. Agur writes "curious to say the child walked from the very moment". This incident produced great excitement and wonder among the people. We have given the story just as it is traditionally current among the people and believed by them to this day"[ C.M..Agur, CHT. P.557-558].

Rev. W.T. Ringel Taube was a Social Reformer, and he abolished many oppressive Taxes;  Rev. W.T Ringel Taube was a great and sharp social thinker. He took proper steps and abolished many oppressive taxes and services with the help of British Residents, under which some sections of the people were groaning and made justice equally accessible to all classes of subjects. Maharasan Vethamanickam very eagerly brought to the kind attention of WT Ringel Taube about the unjust nature of some of the taxes and the disabilities under which the poorer class laboured and ultimately succeeded in his attempts. Some backward communities in Travancore had to pay Poll tax not only for its young and old members but also for the dead. Mr. Ringel Taube was convinced by Vethamanicakm that it was his duty to endeavour to abolish the iniquitous tax and seek relief for the sake of the poor Christians. Ringel Taube represented the grievances and sorrows of the poor classes to the Government, and his labours were blessed by God Col. Munro took such a lively interest in the matter in which Mr Ringel Taube interested himself. Ringel Taube was quite pleased to receive a communication from Col. Munro conveying to him the infromation that he had stipulated with the newly appointed Dewan Mr. Palpanaben that hence forward Mr. Ringel Taube's ChristianS should enjoy the privilege of being exempted from the Capitation Tax. The abolition of Poll tax brought great relief not only to the Christians but also gradually to all the Hindu Nadars and Elavars.[ Agur .576]. Ringel Taube took steps to abolish Sunday Ooliam [ Sunday work without wages]; Christians were forced to work on Sudays without wage by their so-called upper caste masters, but the servants of God namely Rev. W.T Ringel Taube and Vethamanicakm  saved the Christian from compulsory Sunday work, with the help of British Resident. Col. Munro.

Steps taken by Mr. Ringeltaube and Vethmanickam to get the Grant of Paddy-fields:Unfortunately Ringel Taube's health began to fail and so he called Vethamanickam and told his intention of leaving Travancore soon. Vethamanickam was overwhelmed with great sorrow. However, Vethamanickam with great vision told Ringel Taube that when Mr. Schwartz established the Churches of Tanjore , he obtained free grants of lands from Maha Raja of  Tanjore,  for the help of the Churches in Tanjore Mission and also told that those lands were very useful to the Mission to meet the administrative expenses of the Church, and requested Ringel Taube to  secure some grants of land for the planting of London Missionary Churches in Travancore. This appeal appealed him, so Ringel Taube took necessary efforts to secure some grants of lands for Mylaudy LMS Mission, from the Government of Travancore.This proposal assumed definite shape only in 1812, and this proposal was properly submitted, and it was favourably received by the Resident Col. Munro.

In the selection of lands, Ringel Taube left the matter in the hands of Vethamanickam and his nephew Masillamani the Catechist of Ettamboly,.and they selected the Sircar fields at Tamarakulam[North] and Vayilauculam. Mr. Ringel Taube requested the Ranee, to give these Sircar fields as grant to LMS Mylaudy Mission with 100 Cottah of tax. Fortunately, Ranee Lakshi Bai [Queen of Travancore] consented to this proposal.  Mr. Ringel Taube sent Mr Gnanamuthu the head man of Vethamanickam's family to Trivandrum and there he waited, a few days and received the Royal Grant of 110 acres and 18 cents of land in Thamrakulam Village and 22.52 acres of land in Kulasekaram village from the Ranee Lakshmi Bai. Mr. Gnanamuthu brought the documents of the Royal Grant to the Missionary Ringel Taube [Agur, CHT . Page.601  &AP. Vallinayagam , Mahathma  Polakku Mun Maha Rasan Vethamanickam , page .238, Madurai, 2005] But during the period of Mr.Mead the tax was reduced from 100 Cootahs  to a nominal tax of one Cottah. These properties helped the LMS in South Travancore to meet their necessary expenses to a great extent. 

In 1816 Rev W.T. Ringel taube relinquished His Connection with LMS and Left South Travancore: After twelve years of labour in South India, failure of health, through incessant toil in early 1816 Ringel Taube relinquished his connection with LMS .Vethamanickam received the Charge of the Mission from Revd. W.T. Ringel Taube.    As Ringel Taube could not get an European Missionary within the stipulated time, to succeed him, Revd. Ringel Taube decided to make his faithful and efficient native Catechist Vethamanickam as his successor till the Mission gets a European Missionary to take charge of the affairs of the LMS Mission, Travancore.  In the end of January 1816 before leaving the country , Revd, W.T. Ringel Taube assembled all the converts in the Chapel at Mylaudy for Service and formally informed them of Vethamanickam's appointment to succeed him for the time being in the conduct of the Mission till the arrival of another LMS Missionary and earnestly exhorted and  requested them to show  Mylaudy Maha Rasan Vethamanickam, all respect and obedience due to his new Position and  blessed all of them .This was followed by the administration of   Lord's Supper. Then Revd. W.T. Ringel Taube laid his hands on Maha Rasan Vethamanickam's head and sincerely prayed for Vethamanickam to God and invoked his blessings on the newly ordained Servant of Jesus Christ. Mr. Ringel Taube took out his own surplice and put it on Mylaudy Maha Rasan Vethamanickam and charged him most solemnly in the presence of the people and before God to faithfully feed his flock. Revd. W.T. Ringel Taube handed over to Maha Rasan Vethamanickam his Certificate and license to preach and administer the sacraments and manage the Mission, written in English and Tamil which is still preserved in the family [C.M.Agur, Church History of Travancore Page. 613-614]. {I do not think that this certificate is now available in the houses of any of their family members.] The ten years from 1806 to 1816, may be regarded as comprising the first period in the history of the mission establishment by Mr. Ringel Taube. Mr. Ringe Taube left South Travancore and embarked early in 1816. How the end came to the Rev. William Tobias Ringel Taube, the splendid servant of Christ and the London Missionary Society, no man knows, nor does any man know the place of his rest.  

Conclusion: Rev. R.T. Ringel Taube was a keen observer of things, The distresses and the secular needs of the poor people in general and Christians in particular never escaped his notice. It is extremely interesting to observe the progress made by the pioneer and first Christian converts and how gradually they gained liberty from Government. But it is still more interesting to notice how far Christian missionaries in striving to get freedom of heathens chiefly of the humbler classes. By the efforts of W.T. Ringel Taube village Schools were started in all the Christian villages and Christians were liberated from ignorance. The Christians who belonged to the humbler castes became the pioneers of modern civilization in South Travancore.  By building village schools he removed ignaorancae and enlightened ignorant minds of the poor people, by building village chapels he lit spiritual light in the darkened minds of the marginalised people, by abolishing cruel taxes he laid the foundation for liberty and equality in South Travancore .Mr. T.W. Holmes writes in his book RINGEL TAUBE "The fact that he seldom wore a coat, except when somebody gave him gave him one, that he wore a shabby straw hat, that he wandered about Travancore living in common hut, made him if not less, but more impressive figure in the eyes of the people among whom he lived......" The author of Dr. Bunting's life, the great Wesleyan statesman -preacher writes," Ringel Taube's zeal and success as a missionary in Southern India are still had in remembrance". Rev. S. Mateer writes, " He was most generous and unselfish in regard to money. and is said to have distributed the whole of his quarter's salary almost as soon as it reached his hands".  It is not possible to cover all the chapters of the Rev. William Tobias Ringel Taubel within the space of his Blogpost and so I will end this Blogpost with the following sentence. ' Dear and respected Rev W.T.  Ringel Taube, we thank God for your meaningful Christian life, you were really a Christian Rishi, and we love you with great gratitude and respect. " 

 

References,   [1] C.M. Agur, Church History of Travancore, Madras 1903.                                                                      [2] T.W. HOLMES, RINGEL TAUBE.                                                                                                          [3] Rev. S. Mateer, The land of Charity, London, 1870                                                                                [4] P. Babu Manoharan, Mr. C.M. AGUR, B.A and MANY OTHER MILESTONES,,                                     Nagercoil. 2021.       

END 

By. P. Babu Manoharan, M.A [ All rights are reserved.  This Blogpost will be enlarged, modified or 

corrected later if needed].

The Co-Founder of Protestant Christianity in South Travancore, A Great LMS Missionary Who Built the First Protestant Church and English School in Travancore, A Social reformer who fought against the cruel Taxes Rev. William Tobias Ringel Taube. PART.. C.

Mr Ringel Taube's Initial Stay at Tranquebar: The missionary brethren including Mr. W.T. Ringel Taube had their weekly prayer meetings and consultations at Tranquebar. The sudden death of Mrs. Vos on 12th of January 1805 demolished their peace and joy. Mr. Ringel Taube preached the funeral sermon in German language from Hebrew xiii: 14; " For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come". After this very sad event Rev. Vos and Rev. Erhardt, went to Celyon and established a Mision in Ceylon. The other brethren were also preparing to part from one another.  They took their last dinner at Rev. Dr. Christopher Samuel John's house at Tranquebar. Rev. Cran and Rev. Des Granges proceeded to Vizagapattinam.  As Ringel taube preferred to work in South, he was left alone in Tranquebar.

                                                       

                                                    

                                                           Rev. W.T. RINGEL TAUBE 

Mr. Ringel Taube Met his Brethren Missionaries at Madras:   Before proceeding to their respective allotted destinations Mr. Ringel Taube's missionary brethren remained in Madras for some time studying the vernacular languages. After a few months from his arrival at Tranquebar Rev. Ringel Taube reached Madras on the 3rd of May 1805 and proceeded to Vepery and there he met his missionary brethren. During his stay at Vepery, in Madras, Mr. Ringel Taube, was put up in a hospitable house.  During his stay at Vepery, he met many gentlemen and govt officials and also made notable progress in his Tamil studies and preached at various places. on every Sunday. He dined with his missionary brethren. His Missionary brethren and friends wanted Mr Ringel Taube, to stay in Madras and do his missionary labour. But Ringel Taube was very firm in his determination to do missionary work in the Southern regions of South India. Besides forming his acquaintances with many leading men in Madras he particularly made friendship with Rev Dr. Kerr [ Agur p. 467].  Dr. Kerr supplied Mr Ringel Taube with schoolbooks and other necessary articles for his mission. While Rev. Ringel Taube and his brethren were staying in Madras the Rev William Carey who was working in Serampore area in Bengal, wrote an encouraging letter to them and exhorted them in the most affectionate terms and also forwarded to them Grammar and other books calculated to facilitate their study of the vernacular language and gave valuable suggestions.

Mr Ringel Taube Reached Tranquebar from Madras in June 1805: [ Agur, p. 468]. Rev. Ringel Taube started from Madras on the 1st of June 1805 and reached Tranquebar on the 10th of June 1805and he was highly delighted to see Dr John and Mr and Mrs Palm and others. At Tranquebar Mr. W.T Rev.  Ringl Taube assiduously started to study Tamil under the able guidance of Dr. John and also studied the natural history and philology of South India   Mr. Ringel Taube succeeded in his Tamil studies within a year, and he was able to compose small sermons besides a short English Dictionary and a Tamil Pocket Dictionary.

                                               TRANQUEBAR  DANISH  FORT. 
                          

Rev. W.T Ringel Taube met Maharasan Vethamanickam at Tranquebar: While Mr Ringel Taube was studying Tamil under Dr John,  Mylaudy Maharasan Vethmanickam paid his second visit to Tanjore, and met Rev J.C. Kohlhoff at Tanjore and Rev J.C. Kohlhoff sent Maharasan Vethmanicakm with a letter of introduction to Ringel Taube and Dr. John.   At Tranquebar Maharasan Vethamonicakm met Rev. WT Ringel Taube and  Maharasan  Vethamanicakm gave a cordial invitation to Mr Ringel Taube to come to Mylaudy and do missionary work in South Travancore. Ringel Taube promised  Maharasan Vethamanicakam that after acquiring adequate Knowledge in Tamil, he will definitely visit Mylaudy and South Travancore. However, till the end of 1805, Mr. Ringel Taube, remained in Tranquebar studying Tamil. Rev. Ringel Taube delivered his first sermon in Tamil on the 16th September 1805, and in spite of all his determination he was unavoidable delayed at Tranquebar till the first week of February 1806[ Agur 489]. Rev. J.C Kohlhoff the successor of Rev Schwartz, at this time served as the Head of the SPCK's Mission not only for Tanjore but also for the whole of South India. extending from Tranquebar to Cape Comorin. Moreover, Rev. J.C Kohlhoff found that the new Missionary Mr Ringel Taube of the LMS was free to choose his missionary filed according to his intention and preference. By this arrangement the SPCK's mission in Tinnevelly was left in the temporary charge of Mr Ringel Taube but at the same time it was agreed that Mr Ringel Taube was at liberty to establish an independent Mission in Travancore. Leaving Tranquebar in 1806, Ringel Taube proceeded to Playamcottah, which became his headquarters for the next three years. Even though Ringel Taube worked in Tirunnevely area, his inner mind was longing to do missionary work in Travancore.  So Mr. Rinel Taube got the permission from the Government of Travancore with the help the then British Resident Col. Macaulay, to do missionary work in Travancore. After the first three years Mr. Ringel Taube's labours were principally confined to Travancore.  

Ref; [1] C.M.Agur, Church History of Travancore 

        [2] C.B. Firth, An Introduction To Indian Church History.

        [3] T.W. Holmes, RINGEL TAUBE.

Part Final Will Follow soon. 

By. P. Babu Manoharan, M.A[ All rights are reserved. This Blogpost will be enlarged, modified or corrected later if needed].

 

A Co- Founder of the Protestant Christianity in South Travancore, A Great Christian L.M.S. Missionary Who built the First Protestant Church and First English School in Travancore kingdom, Social Reformer Who Fought to Abolish Cruel Taxes Rev. William Tobias Ringel Taube . PART . B

                                                    

                                                   

                                                     Rev. William Tobias Ringel Taube

Mr. W.T. Ringel Taube was Ordained: On successful completion of his study on Divinity at Halle University, Rev Ringel Raube was ordained in Wernigerode town in 1796. Weringerode is a town in the district of Hartz, Saxony- Anhalt, Germany.  Weringerode is located picturesquely on the banks of Holtemme river on the northern slope of the Hartz mountains.  It is a medieval town, and it is called as the Pearl of Hartz.

                                                            WERINGERODE

Rev. Ringel Taube's First trip to India as SPG Missionary was a failure: On successful completion of his studies at Halle University and after his ordination he wanted to become a Moravian missionary. He wrote to Dr. Schultze in Halle and Dr. Schultze in his reply told him that the Christian Knowledge Society was in need of men for the English Station of the Lutheran Missions in South India. And also his congregations would be entirely of English speaking people and the salary 100 Pounds per annum, But Rev. W.T. Ringel Taube replied Dr Schultze and frankly told him that he would like to " To preach  the simple but saving and sanctifying Word of the Cross to the simple minded men who hitherto have not experienced the power that is my desire; but not to dispute with the unbelieving Englishmen in Calcutta" He also said Dr. Schultze that in spite of these remonstrances the Christian Knowledge Society should choose him, " I shall acknowledge the Divine call and trusting Him Who is mighty in the weak go to London and India"   Dr. Schultze advised W.T. Ringel Taube to accept the call. Mr. W.T Ringel taube's father was not willing to send his son to Calcutta. However, Ringel Raube consented, .and he went to London to make preparations for his journey to India. During his negotiations, Ringel Taube wrongly understood that the Christian Knowledge Society was the London Missionary Society. Mr. W.T. Ringel Taube sailed to India and arrived in Calcutta in October 1797. He did not like the missionary atmosphere in Calcutta and became dissatisfied with his stay and work in Calcutta and in October 1798 he intimated his intention of leaving Calcutta and to the great surprise and disappointment of the Society, ultimately Mr. W.T Ringel Taube returned to England and reached London on 17th of July 1799. 

                                     FOUNDER OF the LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY

The Birth of the London Missionary Society:      The London Missionary Society was founded in London at a proper and crucial time in history and the LMS played a historical role for the spiritual, economic, cultural, and educational development of many countries including South Travancore, through its great dedicated Missionaries. In this juncture and stage, it will be useful to the readers to read some enlightening lines about the birth of London Missionary Society in Britain. The Founder of the London Missionary society Revd. Dr. David Bogue was born at Coldingham, Berwickshire, in Scotland in 1750. His father Mr. John Bogue was a small Landowner and Magistrate, and his mother Mrs. Margaret Swanston was a pious Christian lady. Mr. David Bogue did his early school studies in Eyemouth. Then he pursued his Study of Divinity at Edinburg University and after receiving his master's degree he left the Edinburgh University in 1771. as a Licensed Presbyterian Minister. He was licensed to preach by the Church of Scotland, but failing to find a patron, he was sent to London by the Church in 1771. He became a Congregational Pastor at a congregational Church in Gosport, in Hampshire, England. His ministry really took off and flourished between 1777 and 1825 while he lived in Gosport. In Gosport he pioneered the world's first Protestant Missionary College called the Academy of Ministers and Missionaries. It was his model that became a blueprint for missionary training colleges all over the world.

Rev. David Bogue was a visionary missionary and an intellectual theologian, and he was one of the key persons behind the founding of the famous Christian magazine called, "Evangelical Magazine" [1793]. Inspired by Rev. William Carey's courageous missioanary exploits in India, Rev. David Bogue, wrote an article in September 1794 calling complacent Christians to rise up and follow Christ into the Mission field. He rebuked the church for its criminal unconcern for the honour of God, and for the salvation of the perishing souls of men. His trumpet call woke many sleeping Christians and on 4th of November 1794 a group of eight evangelical ministers namely: [1] Rev. Matthew Wilks, who acted as Chairman, [2] Rev. John Eyre, Church of England, [3] Rev. Dr. David Bogue, Independent, [4] Rev. Joseph Brooksbank, Independent, [5] Rev. John Sone, Scotch Church, [6] Rev. John Reynolds, Independent, [7] Rev. Dr. Stevens, Scotch Church and [8] Rev. John Townsend, Independent; met at the Baker's Coffee House in Cornhill, in London and sincerely discussed the grand idea of sending forth the good tidings of salvation to the far-off ends and corners of the world and to do so they decided to   start the missionary society. According to the decision made by the eight evangelical ministers, "The Missionary Society" or "The London Missionary Society" as it was afterwards called was founded in September 1795. [Rev. Dr. David Bogue served as the Director of the London Missionary Society for many years. In 1815 the Yale University honoured him by awarding a D.D on him. While on preaching tour on behalf of the L.M.S. Rev Dr. David Bogue died in 1825].

Rev. W.T. Ringel Taube Reached Tranquebar in 1804: After his return to England from Calcutta Rev. W.T Ringel Taube's inner mind was searching for a suitable missionary field to serve and minister.  When Mr. Ringel Taube came to know about the intention of the London Missionary Society, he offered his service, and he was readily accepted. The other missionaries selected with him by the LMS were Revd. George Cran, Rev. Augustus Des Granges, Revd. Vos, Revd. Palm, and Revd. Erhardt. All these missionaries with Mrs Vos and Mrs Palm in the company. In 1804, they sailed from England via Copenhagen where Mr Palm was detained on account of Mrs. Palm's sickness. and others embarked 25th April 1804 and proceeded their long voyage in a Danish vessel bound for Tranquebar.  The voyage was full of peril as they sailed past Sumatra the fury of the storm was indescribable. They were for days were in danger of shipwreck among the small islands., At last the missionary team landed at Tranquebar, the mother town of all the Indian Missions, on the 5th of December 1804, and were cordially welcomed by the Danish missionaries

 Ref; [1] Related Wikis

          [2] C.M. Agur, B.A, Church History of Travancore, 1903, Madras.

          [3] T.W. Holmes, RINGEL TAUBE.  

Next Part Will Follow Soon.

Bt. P. Babu Manoharan, M.A. [All the rights are reserved. This Blogpost will be enlarged, modified or corrected later if needed]. 

A Co- Founder of Protestant Christianity in South Travancore, Great Revolutionary Missionary Who Built the First Protestant Church in the Kingdom of Travancore, Social Reformer, Visionary Who Founded the First English School In the Travancore Kingdom, A man of God Who laid the Foundation for the Spread of Protestant Christianity in South Travancore Rev William Tobias Ringeltaube . PART..A

Introduction:  The LMS Missionary Rev Whilliam Tobias Ringel Taube was a great revolutionary Missionary, a social Reformer, A Man of God who laid the foundation of the Protestant Christianity and education in South Travancore. He revolutionised the social, cultural, educational, intellectual and religious map of South Travancore and brought cultural, spiritual and educational renaissance in South Travancore. A perusal of his sacrificial Missionary work, his compassionate concern for the cause of the uncared marginalised people and the manifold reforms introduced by him in this land will galvanise the readers to become compassionate human-beings and to live a meaningful life.  

                                                       Rev. William Tobias Ringel Taube  

W.T. Ringel Taube's Parents and His Birth:   Rev. W.T. Ringel Taube hailed from a pious pietist Christian family from the then Prussia, which produced many remarkable Christian Pastors.  Rev. W. T. Ringel Taube's father Rev Gottlieb Ringel Taube was the son of Pastor Sylvius William Ringel Taube and Ms Anna Elizabeth Kohichen in Grembozin.  Pastor Sylvius Wilhelm Ringel Taube was born on April 28, 1698 in Fürsten-Elguth in the Principality of Oels in Silesia and there he served as a Pastor and| Superintendent and died on 28 March 1772. Rev. Gottlieb Ringel Taube was a remarkable man of God and served as a Lutheran Pastor. From 1777 to 1785, Rev. Gotlieb Ringel Taube served as the Lutheran Pastor of the pastorate of the Lutheran congregation in Warsaw, where he contributed to the construction of the Church of the Holy Trinity Church (today the main and episcopal church for the Evangelical Augsburg Church in Poland] and consecrated it on 30 December 1781. Rev. Gotlieb Ringel Taube married Ms Johanna Theodora Plackwitz on 18th June 1769. and God blessed this lovely couple with all the connubial blessings, and this couple gave birth to Mr. William Tobias Ringel Taube on 8th of August 1770 at Scheidelwitz, near Brzeg [breig]in Silesia.  

Mr. W.T. Ringel Taube's Siblings: God blessed Rev. Dr. Gottlieb Ringel taube and Mrs Johanna Theodora Plackwitz  with all the conjugal blessings and this Couple gave birth to the following children: [1] Mr. W. T. Ringel Taube,[2] Mr. Ernest, [3] Charles, [4] Ms. Anna Chen.     

                                    

                                                                 SCHEIDELWITZ 

• Rev. W.T. Ringel Taube's Childhood and educational track:         Five days after the birth of their first boy child Rev. Gottlieb Ringel Taube and Mrs Anna Elizabeth Gotlieb Ringel Taube, the boy child was baptized and was given the name William Tobias Ringel Taube [ Wikipedia]. Until young William Tobias Ringel Taube completed his seventh year of age he was brought up in a country home. His father Rev Gottlieb Ringel Taube was transferred to Warsaw in Poland where William Tobias Ringel Taube spent 9 years with his parents. During his childhood days W.T. Ringel Taube was taught by his father at home. When W.T. Ringel Taube reached his 16th year his father Rev. Gottlieb Ringel taube was appointed as the Court Preacher and General Superintendent of Oels in Silesia.  Young W.T. Ringel Taube pursued his School education at the Olser gymnasium and successfully completed his school education.

   

  
                                                        HALLE  UNIVERSITY 

• Mr. W.T. Ringeltaube At the Halle University:  After having successfully completed his School education at the Olser gymnasium, Mr. W.T. Ringel Taube pursued his Collegiate education at the University of Halle According to T.W. Holmes, in the Halle University, Mr. W.T. Ringel Taube attained no conspicuous position When the other students spent their evening time in the theatres and wineshops, he spent his time in studying the Scripture. and finding answers for his spiritual conflicts. During his university days he had the privilege to work as a Tutor to the son of a certain Count and Countess Phel.  The Countess Phel was a lady of lovely and rare sweetness of disposition and exemplary traits. The clarity of her thoughts and the purity of her mind and her motherly interest on Mr. W.T. Ringel Taube spontaneously and rightly led young W.T Ringel Taube to become a full time Christin Missionary. Mr. W.T. Ringel taube successfully completed his studies at the University of Halle.

• Ref: [1] Related Wikis.

•         [2] T.W. Holmes, RINGEL TAUBE, PIONEER MISSIONARY TO INDIA.

•         [3] C.M. Agur, B.A, Church History of Travancore, Madras, 1903.

•          [4] Dr. Y. Gnana Chandra Johnson, German Missionary Ringel Taube, Chennai, 2023.

• Next Part Follow Soon.

• By. P.Babu Manoharan, M.A[ ALL rights are reserved. This Blogpost will be modified, enlarged or corrected later if needed]. 

Mother of Female Education in Tirunelveli District, A Remarkable Daughter of Rev Charles Mault and Mrs Martha Mault, Ideal Educationist, Companion of the Companionless and Life Companion of Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Caldwell Mrs Eliza Caldwell. Part Final.

                                                     

                                                          Mrs.  ELIZA  CALDWELL.

Mrs Eliza Caldwell Moved to Idyankudi:  Before entering into the family life of Mrs Eliza Caldwell, it would be useful to the readers to get some idea about the village Idayankudi.  When Robert Caldwell arrived at Idayankudi in 1841, there was hardly anything but sand and palmyras and is said that he had even plans to move away from Idyankudi .But within a short span of time, he developed a love for that underdeveloped hamlet and earnestly planned, worked and changed the shape and style of the streets of Idayankudi village and the structure and size of the houses in Idaynkudi. After her marriage with Rev. Robert Caldwell in 1844, at Nagercoil LMS Home Church, Mrs Eliza Caldwell moved to Idayankudi in 1844 and lived in a small shack at Idayankudi with her husband Rev Caldwell happily, and later she moved to a bigger house at Idayankudi Mission compound.  Mrs. Eliza Caldwell played a notable role along with her husband Rev Dr. Robeert Caldwell, for the spiritual, educational, cultural, and economic development of the people of Idayndkudi village and the surrounding villages.  

                                       OLD CHURCH [SPG} IN IDAYANKUDI 

Mrs Eliza Caldwell's Children:  God blessed Mrs Eliza Caldwell and Rev. Robert Caldwell with all the conjugal blessings, and this couple gave birth to the following children namely: [1] Mr. Robert Charles Caldwell  [1845], [2] Ms. Elizabeth Isabella Caldwell Wyatt, née Caldwell (1848-1933), was the eldest daughter of Bishop Rev. Robert Caldwell and Ms. Eliza Caldwell. Ms. Esabella Caldwell was brought up at her father's mission station at Idayankudi,  and she spoke Tamil as a native. She pursued her education in England at St Mary's Hall, Brighon 1856-62. She returned to Idaiyangudi 1863. At Idayankudi  she and her sister Sarah started working with their mother in the campaign to encourage female education. In 1868 Isabella married the famous missionary and Tamil scholar Rev. Joseph Wyatt, who had arrived as Assistant to her father Rev. R. Caldwell.  Mrs Isabella Wyatt bore seven children and in due course of time, she took over the superintending of schools from her mother Mrs Eliza Caldwell. When in 1879 her husband Rev. Joseph Wyatt, was appointed to Tiruchirappalli ['Trichy'] 200 miles to the north, she continued her work at Trichy. Ms. Isabella Wyatt had been working in mission schools for 25 years. After retirement Mrs Isabella and Rev Wyatt settled in England near Cambridge.  Rev. Joseph Wyatt had the privilege to teach Tamil at the famous Cambridge University for some years; [3] Ms. Marthal Louisa Caldwell [1849],[4] Mr. William Alfred Caldwell [ 1852], [5] Ms. Mary Emili [1854], [6] Mr. Adington [1857] and [7] Mr. Arthur Louis [1862]. Every one of them did reasonably well in life. 

                                       Mrs. Eliza Caldwell Couple's House at Idayankudi.

Organizations and Institutions started by Eliza Caldwell: Like her veritable educationist mother Mrs. Martha Mault, Ms Eliza Caldwell proved herself as a veritable Educationist and Institutions builder. The observing eyes of Ms Eliza Mault noticed the alarming ignorance and illiteracy that prevailed among the girls who lived at Idyahkudi and spontaneously her compassionate heart longed to remove the ignorance from the Idaynkudi girls. Soon after her arrival at Idayankudi in 1844, Mrs Eliza Caldwell took over the control of the Girls Day School started by her husband Rev. Robert Caldwell; and also took over the control of the existing boys Boarding School. As the attendance of the girls were irregular due to poverty and ignorance, she wanted to start a Boarding School for the girls and so she converted the existing Girls Day School into a Boarding School for Girls at Idayankudi, in 1845. The food and shelter provided in the Boarding School attracted the rural girls towards the Boarding School and the rural girls started to improve socially, spiritually and intellectually through education, in Idaiyankudi area. Mrs Eliza Caldwell with the support of her husband Rev Robert Caldwell started a School for Girls in 1884 in Thuthukudi Vakakkoor. Mrs Eliza Caldwell championed the cause of female education in Tirunelveli district, like her mother who did the same in South Travancore.  Mrs Eliza Caldwell felt the need for the Female Teachers to teach in the schools for the girls, and so in 1887, she along with her learned husband Rev Robert Caldwell started the Victoria Girls Teachers Training School at Thuthukudi.  Mrs Eliza Caldwell also gave spiritual food to the girls and women. Mrs Eliza Caldwell established an organization called 'Zenana' at Kuttam village near Idyankudi and Bible Teaching was given to the girls through this organization and these trained young girls in turn went to the houses in nearby villages and taught bible lessons to the women in those villages. The educational institutions and organizations started by Mrs Eliza Caldwell at Idayankudi and in other parts of the then Tirunelveli district, quickly started to improve the educational, cultural, social, spiritual and economic status and conditions of the females.

Woodlands Estate in Asambu Hills and Eliza Caldwell:     Rev. Dr. Robert Caldwell owned a beautiful 275, acre Estate called "Woodlands Estate" in Asambu Hills, located on the north of Nagercoil at a distance of nearly 18 miles from Nagercoil. Rev Robert Caldwell built a beautiful house in the Woodlands estate to stay during their visits to the estate.  Mrs Eliza Caldwell and Rev Robert Caldwell used to come to this enchanting Woodland Estate and stay there to escape from the hot climate of Idayandkudi. Mrs Eliza Caldwell cultivated many fruit trees in the Woodland estate near her house.  One of Mrs Eliza Caldwell's child's dead body had been buried inside the Woodlands estate. Even though Mrs Eliza developed a deep love for the soil of Idayankudi village, she also continued her love for the people of Nagercoil and Soth Travancore. Ms. Eliza Caldwell used to visit Nagercoil to meet her parents Rev Charles Mault and mother Mrs Martha Mault whenever she found time.  One Mr. Moses Devadasan was a family friend of Rev. Charles Mault's family at Nagercoil Mr Moses Devadasan served as the supervisor of this Woodlands Estates for many years with distinction.  Mrs Eliza Caldwell and Rev. Robert Caldwell loved the honesty and the hard-working nature of Mr. Moses Devadasan and so Rev. Dr. Robert Caldwell before finally leaving India, sold this Woodlands Estate to Mr Moses Devadasan for a nominal price and Mr. Moses Devadason's son Mr. D.M. Devasahayam, was one of the authors of the iconic book, "RETHINKING CHRISTIANITY IN INDIA".

Mrs Eliza Caldwell and Economic Empowerment of the Women:   Mrs Eliza Caldwell was a visionary Thinker, and she firmly believed that education and economic independence will liberate the females from superstition, all types of slavery and ignorance.  She not only started School for the Girls in Tirunelveli district but also taught knitting, lace making and sewing to the girls, so that girls can create some income for them and for their families. Mrs. Eliza Caldwell enthusiastically taught lace making, sewing etc to the girls of Idayankudi and neighbouring villages. Those girls and women who    learned lace making started to earn some regular income and that income enhanced the style of their living and way of thinking, and paved way for their advancement in all walks of life.  The women of Idyankudi and surrounding areas loved Mrs Eliza Caldwell with great gratitude. The Girls and women taught by Eliza Caldwell made improvement in their habits, appearances and self-confidence.

                       

                               HOLY TRINITY CHURCH at IDAYANKUDI 

Conclusion:   Selfless missionary mother Mrs. Eliza Caldwell, after having worked for many decades for the economic, educational and spiritual development of the women of the then Tinnevelli district, died in 1899 and her body was buried inside the Holy Trinity Church at Idayankudi built by her beloved husband Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Caldwell with her moral support. We can boldly say that Mrs Eliza Caldwell pioneered and laid the foundation for the economic, educational and spiritual development of the females of the undivided Thirunelveli District. Mrs Eliza Caldwell is no more with us but the memorial buildings such as:  Eliza Caldwell Cricket Ground Idayankudi----CSI Eliza Caldwell College of Nursing at Idayankudi ---The Eliza Robert Caldwell Trust [ Tirunelveli CSI Diocese] etc, proclaim the love of the members of Tirunelveli CSI Diocese for the Mrs. Eliza Caldwell. It is not possible to accommodate all the accomplishments and important chapters of our dear Mrs Eliza Caldwell's life history within the space of this Blogpost. I will quote a sentence of Rev. Dr. Robert Caldwell, that he had written about his beloved wife Mrs Eliza Caldwell in his book REMINISCENCES, " One of her chief qualifications has always been her perfect knowledge of colloquial Tamil. Immediately on her arrival at Edeyengudi, the station I was founding in Tinnevelly, she set herself to aid me in every part of my work, especially in female education. The Female Boarding School she set on foot shortly after her arrival was the first that had been established in connection with the Mission of the S.P.G. in South India. It was by her that lace-making was introduced into Tinnevelly". I will end this Blogpost with the following sentence. " Dear and respected Mrs Eliza Caldwell we thank God for you, we adore all of your services including your service for the cause of female education, and we are proud of your birth at Nagercoil"

END.

By.  P. BABU MANOHARAN, M.A, [All rights are reserved. This Blogpost will be enlarged, modified or corrected later if needed].