The St. Thomas Tradition and a Recent Discovery in Travancore
By C. S. Srinivasachari
Summary
Addressing the long‑standing tradition that the apostle Thomas visited India, this article assesses a recent archaeological discovery in Travancore (present‑day Kerala). The find consists of a granite cross and inscriptions in Pahlavi script unearthed near a coastal church. The author argues that the cross, dated to the eighth or ninth century, supports the existence of an early Christian community on the Malabar Coast and lends credence to the Syrian Christian oral tradition. He reviews earlier evidence for the St. Thomas mission, including the Acts of Thomas and references by Church Fathers, while cautioning against uncritical acceptance of legendary details. The article situates the Travancore discovery within the broader context of Indian Ocean trade networks, which facilitated the arrival of Persian merchants and missionaries. By analysing the iconography of the cross and comparing it with similar artefacts from Persia, the author concludes that the find testifies to enduring connections between South Indian Christians and the Near East.
Conclusion
The Travancore cross strengthens the argument that Christianity had an early and continuous presence on the Malabar Coast. It illustrates how maritime trade enabled cultural and religious exchanges across the Indian Ocean.