CHRISTIANITY CAME TO SALEM / சேலத்திற்கு கிறிஸ்தவம் வந்தது

<p>Inspired by Christianity Came to Tirunelveli by Prof. David Pakkiamuthu I wrote Christianity Came to Salem (சேலத்திற்கு கிறிஸ்தவம் வந்தது) a book that traces the arrival and development of Christianity in Salem District. For many years I desired to document Salem&rsquo;s Christian history in a way similar to Prof. David Pakkiamuthu&rsquo;s work and this book fulfils that long-cherished dream.</p><p>Salem District formed by the British in 1792 as the first district in India was also the first region in Kongu Nadu to receive the Gospel through Robert de Nobili in 1623 nearly 400 years ago. In 1624 he built a church at Maramangalam in Omalur Taluk regarded as the first church in Kongu Mandalam even older than St. Mary's Church in Chennai.</p><p>Though often overlooked Salem holds several historical distinctions. In 1840 J. M. Lechler founded an Industrial School in Salem considered the first institution of its kind in British India.</p><p>This is my third book and it brings together forgotten historical records and archives from India and abroad that were previously inaccessible to ordinary readers. It also highlights the contributions of notable Christian leaders and scholars such as J. C. Pritchard K. T. Paul G. Samuel and Devaneya Paavanar. This work stands as a pioneering contribution to the Christian history of Salem District.</p>