| Description | /1-29 Copies of correspondence and papers from Rev. Joseph Peet, Rev. John Hawkesworth, Major-General W. Cullen, British Resident in Travancore and V. Kristno Row, Dewan of Travanacore 1850-54 including;
/3 Translation of proclamation by Rani of Travancore 1815;
/15 Representation to Chief Secretary to Government from Secretary, Madras Corresponding Committee, with explanatory memorandum and translation of proclamation of 1829, by Rani of Travancore [printed] 1853;
/24 Questions to and answers by Tranvacore slaves in CMS school 1853 |
| Administrative History | Syrian Christians in Travancore had for centuries held the right of exemption from implied pollution. The consequent right to use the public roads and to appear in the courts of justice (forbidden to low castes and slaves) had also been shared by Roman Catholics and Muslims.
Protestant missionary work in Travancore began in 1816 and until 1851 converts were treated exactly as all other Christians. Then came the first converts from the slaves and low castes. In February 1851 the Dewan issued an edict depriving converts of the right to acquire the status and privileges of a Christian, thereby laying them open to persecution. The order applied to the Tiruwella district and Rev. Joseph Peet and Rev. John Hawkesworth of Mavelikara were heavily involved in appealing to the British government for justice. |