About Armenian Church :
Armenian church is well maintained even though it has hardly any visitor nowadays. It has a huge complex with a small chapel and a tower. The highlight of the church is the tower which has six bells, which are believed to be the largest and heaviest in and around Chennai city. Each bell weigh approximately 200 kg, and they belong to 18th century and 19th century.The complex also has a small cemetery.
It is believed that Armenians came to chennai city in the 16th century AD for the purpose of trade and they settled down in the city slowly. The Armenian church or the Church of Virgin Mary was constructed by Armenian community. The church is located inArmenian street in George Town area of Chennai, which is hardly 1.5 km from Central Railway station. This place is easily accessible either through train or bus. You can also easily reach this place on your own transportation.
Attractions Of Armenian Church In Chennai :
- The Armenian Church in Chennai was built in 1772 on the site of the Armenian cemetery. This is a marvel of architectural beauty. This church has a magnificent bell tower having 6 bells, claimed to be the largest in Chennai. This tower attracts many and is a must place to visit in Chennai.
- The Armenians were the first settlers along with the Jews who came for trade to Chennai. While there are no records of lasting value left on the coral trading Chennai Jews, the wealthy Armenian community traded in pearls, diamonds, and silks.
- Today the Armenian Church on Armenian Street, in the busy commercial centre of George Town, is a testimony to their ancient presence. A hush falls over when you enter the church through a wooden door topped by a Dutch gable.
- The lone occupant of the church quarters remains the last of the Armenians left in Chennai whose footfall echoes whisperingly on the 350 tombstones of the Armenians who once lived in this city.
Features Armenian Church In Chennai :
The Armenian Church complex at Chennai consists of a small chapel and belfry tower. The bells contained in the tower makes up the key attraction of the place. A total of six bells are provided in the tower. The bells at Armenian Church are believed to be the largest and heaviest in the city suburbs, each weighing about 200 kgs. The bells belong to different eras and were casted at different points of time. The inscription on the oldest existing one reveals the year to be 1754. One other bell dates back to 1778. Inscriptions further reveal that two of the bells were gifted by an Armenian merchant named Eliazar Shawmier. The remaining two bells belong to the year 1837.
The church complex during 17th and 18th century, also served as mortuary and cemetery for the Armenian population living in the region.
History Of Armenian Church In Chennai :
Armenians had trading relations with several parts of India, and by the 7th century a few Armenian settlements had appeared in Kerala, an Indian state located on the Malabar Coast. Armenians controlled a large part of the international trade of the area, particularly in precious stones and quality fabrics.
An archive directory (published 1956) in Delhi, India states that an Armenian merchant-cum-diplomat, named Thomas Cana, had reached the Malabar Coast in 780 using the overland route. Seven hundred years thereafter, in the year 1498, Vasco da Gama reached the Malabar Coast by sea. Thomas Cana was an affluent merchant dealing chiefly in spices and muslins. He was also instrumental in obtaining a decree, inscribed on a copperplate, from the rulers of Malabar, which conferred several commercial, social and religious privileges for the Christians of that region. In current local references, Thomas Cana is known as “Knayi Thomman” or “Kanaj Tomma”, meaning Thomas the merchant.
The Armenians in India can justly be proud of a glorious past but their present and future are not at all bright. They have greatly decreased in number. Now there are hardly 100 Armenians in India, mostly in Kolkata, where the Armenian College still functions.
Location Armenian Church In Chennai :
Armenian Church is located on the Armenian Street in the Chennai city suburbs. The church is one of the credited monuments in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Origin Armenian Church :
The Armenian church is one of the oldest churches existing in India. The church was built in 1771. Armenians are believed to be establishing first trade links with India during the 16th century A.D. The Armenian merchants for the same purpose landed in the city, now famous as Chennai, and got settled there. The Armenian families soon began building houses and it is during the same era that a church was constructed that continues to occupy the ground till date (early years of the 21st century). The church is also famous as the Armenian Church of Virgin Mary.