The Armenian church is in Georgetown, the chaotic trading quarter of Chennai that I don’t ordinarily frequent. The last time I ventured into the area was in search of a particular shade and texture of hand made paper for invites to my stone furniture sale! That, I am ashamed to admit, was over a decade ago. An exhibition to commemorate the Armenian link to Madras last week, as part of the Madras Day celebration, seemed like a good excuse to return.
I was the lone visitor that morning, underscoring to me our waning interest in historical legacy. But Satenig Batwagan, an Armenian from Paris and a doctorate in Armenian studies who was curating the exhibition for the second year, considered the 20 odd average numbers (per day) encouraging and was hoping to see twice as many visitors next year.
The lack of interest is understandable to some extent. There is little here to mark the presence of a once thriving community save for the lone 17th century St. Mary’s Apostolic church at no 2 on a street named after them, and a few forlorn gravestones in the rundown cemetery a short distance away.
The first Armenians are said to have landed on the Malabar (Kerala) coast in 780AD. Some accounts suggest their presence in Alexander’s advancing army even earlier. But documented records date their arrival in Agra (via Surat) to the sixteenth century, believed to be on the invitation of the Mughal court in order to promote trade with the Middle East. The first Armenian church (in the subcontinent) was built in Agra but the all male cemeteries indicate that those were mostly temporary settlements.
It was the ascendancy of the East India company that induced an influx of Armenian and Jewish migrants who filled the gap between white Europeans and native citizens. And the commercial centers of Calcutta, Bombay and Madras were natural choices for the prosperous spice, gem and silk merchants to settle in.
Their proximity to the Mughal court (one of Emperor Akbar’s many wives was Armenian) placed them at a unique advantage and they contributed greatly in the building of the three cities.
I was unfamiliar with the Iranian origins of the Armenians in India until I read Achdjian’s response to this post. He attributes the influx to the rise of Shah Abbas – the 5th Safavid Shah of Iran – and his development of Isfahan. Here’s an excerpt:
“For Chennai, it seems that the real development of Armenians dates to the early 17th century with the great development of Shah Abbas and his capital, Isfahan (Esfahan). Then, as Isfahan was a kind of Centre of the World, and an axis between China/India and Europe, the Armenian entrepreneurs created a link between Isfahan (New Julfa) and Chennai. Nearly all Armenian families who lived in Chennai used to come from Isfahan or Shiraz. These businessmen used to export Indian products to Europe with less taxes than other nations. Armenians had no military expectation, and therefore, they considered business more important than political power or military power. English, Portuguese and French did the opposite. This demonstrates that India was an advanced country for several products and specially textiles. The textiles that they used to deal with the most, even are called in France: Indiennes which is the feminine adjective for Indian.
The Armenians in Chennai incurred British displeasure for their support of the French occupation of Madras between 1746 – 49, and were banished to ‘black town’ from the white enclave in Fort Saint George when Madras returned to English hands. Their first church on the esplanade, built in 1712, was destroyed during the siege. The present one was constructed a few years later near their cemetery.
Kodja Nazar’s mansion within the fort, with its famed ceremonial hall, was one of the notable monuments appropriated and then bought outright from his descendants for the personal use of Lord Clive. (A letter petitioning the Company for rent is said to have established its history). It is still called Clive House.
The oldest bridge in Madras – the Marmalong bridge (now rebuilt and renamed) – was built by the philanthropist Coja Petrus Uscan*. He is also associated with the construction of St. Rita’s church in San Thome and the building of the wide stairway leading to Saint Thomas Mount. The latter came with an endowment for its maintenance.
It was also in Madras that the first Armenian journal – Aztarar – was printed. And here, in 1773, Shahamir Shahamirian* and his ‘Madras Group’ dared to envision a free and constitutional homeland and authored its first draft constitution!
Sadly, not a single Armenian lives here anymore. The church is now the property of the Armenian Association of Calcutta.
Calcutta, with a resident population of a few hundred Armenians, boasts a more enduring legacy including several notable mansions: the Grand Hotel built by Aratoon Stephen, the Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy and two beautiful churches.
We – the group of four on Manjit’s walking tour – were the only visitors to the Holy Church of Nazareth that December day in 2013. The church, the oldest in Calcutta (also situated on 2 Armenian street!) was closed. But we spent a fascinating hour gingerly stepping over the ornate gravestones lining the yard in an attempt to capture the frayed remains of Armenian presence in India.
Djivan Gasparyan: “I will not be sad in this world” on the Duduk
PS:
Interestingly both Coja Petrus Uscan and Shahamir Shahamirian are buried in two other churches around town.
For more information on Armenian history in the subcontinent – or in Paris – contact Satenig Batwagan -Toufanian (sath@orange.fr)
The Urge To Wander 
Hi Madhu,
This is a fascinating history about which I knew nothing, and a truly lovely series to go with it.
Thank you Naomi. Fascinating even for me! You might be interested in my post on the the Jewish connection to Calcutta. I forgot to link it. I have now.
Good piece of history! It’s fascinating to know what happened years back and how people still remember that till this day!
The sad part is that only a few people want to remember. I admire those that make the effort to rekindle interest in heritage with little or no return. Thanks for reading Jacson.
I do hope that the number of visitors do increase. It is such a beautiful church. I would wish that schools even go visit with busloads of children.
Me too. Our history is varied and complex, but still local schools ought to educate students on the cultural history of their city. Perhaps they do.
A wonderful title for this post, that says so much with so few words.
An online exhibition of powerful images of abandoned structures inspired the title Meg. I t seemed perfect for what i wanted to convey. Thanks for reading.
A part of Madras history which I find fascinating and intriguing. My first glimpse was in Cochin. It looks like a lot of effort goes into Madras Week to connect residents and visitors to their past and to preserve it as this scholarly curator is doing. Your photos depict this. Interesting how churches laid the floor around the tombstones.
Thanks Lynne. The effort put in by several private players to celebrate the anniversary of the city is indeed remarkable. I missed a few events since I was away in Bangalore, but I hope to be more involved next year.
Tombstones spread out around the yard and church floor appear to be unique to Armenian churches. It took me a while to get myself to walk all over them!
I wasn’t aware there was an Armenian church intact in Cochin. Did you visit one?
No Armenian church in Cochin. Our guide told us about the Armenian connection along the coast and in Madras. We visited St Cecelia’s built in the 1500’s. First , the Portuguese Catholics, then Dutch Protestants, then the church became Anglican by the British. Our guide thought we were going to Madras. Fascinating history.
Doesn’t it make you think about easily a culture can vanish from a spot? It seems like the Armenian culture is almost overlooked there.
It did!!! And the cultural contribution of the Armenians is indeed forgotten here. Being non colonising foreigners who kept themselves aloof from the local populace they just didn’t wield the numbers or clout to leave a significant mark.
It is always a nostalgic feeling to go back into lanes and by-lanes of history and interesting facets of life and living…intriguing and creative title. Enjoyed it…
Glad you enjoyed this Nihar. Happy to ‘meet’ you 🙂
So beautiful!
Thank you very much Gary. Have a great day!.
Madhu, this is one of the great strengths of your blog – the ability to reveal hidden histories and narrate them in a compelling and accessible way. This post struck a real chord with me as Bama and I visited the Armenian Church in Singapore just last weekend. It is the city’s oldest church (built in 1835), and we were also the only ones there at the time. It didn’t take long to discover the Indian connection – several commemorative plaques inside were carved in honour of prominent Armenians who were born in Madras. Coincidentally, the road running behind the church was also called Armenian Street!
Thank you very much for the kind compliment James!
I went last weekend as well! The Singapore church looks beautiful and well maintained (not surprisingly :-)) Curious to know if the address was no.2 Armenian street?
You’re welcome, Madhu, it was well deserved. And what a coincidence! The address of the Singapore church is 60 Hill Street – No. 2 Armenian Street seems to be a commercial building of some sort (according to Google Maps).
This is a very interesting post, Madhu, on so many levels. This is especially interesting to me because this speaks of (Catholic) Church history. I am always amazed at India’s rich cultural heritage.
Glad you found it interesting Imelda. I am not all that familiar with the history of the Orthodox church. This visit has piqued my interest.
A fascinating history, and photos. Rather a shame that their presence dwindled.
It is. And Madras is the poorer for it. Thanks Angeline.
How interesting! Thank you for sharing that.
You are most welcome Ian. Have been a bit constrained for time of late, but I am looking forward to reading your new series.
There ‘is’ so much Armenian history in Chennai? Thanks, for bringing it forth. Well captured with your visit and talented photo-taking! Do you also write/contribute to travel magazines or just blogs?
Thank you Veena. I did write a piece for the Hindu Metro Plus Travel section a while back, but this blog has taken up all my time since.
How simple and elegant it looks. What a hidden gem. And thanks for adding the history to set it all in context.
You are most welcome Roughseas. Hope your ankle is healed by now.
It’s fascinating how people have travelled the world taking their culture and religion with them. I like the script on the flag stones, a really interesting post Madhu.
Fascinating for me as well Gilly. According to Satenig and her friends the tombs in Armenia and Iran are way more ornate.
Nice post again, Madhu. When I read your description I thought this was about the Armenian church/street in Georgetown, Penang! I have been researching it myself recently. But it was a good surprise to learn more of Kolkata. I didn’t know it had Armenian history.
Kolkata has the largest remaining Armenian diaspora at the moment. I haven’t been to Penang yet, would love to check out that church as well. Thanks Lee.
I do think our govt needs to do more and it can actually make a lot of money on tourism but only if they worked genuinely .. lovely pics ..
Ha, you should know by now that in India Government and genuine do not go together Bikram! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by.
Fascinating … This history makes me feel I know so little … simply fascinating stuff … yet sad to think only four visitors on that day.
It is sad that a whole chapter of history is being allowed to vanish without trace. Thanks Frank. Happy to see you back. Hope the break did you good 🙂
Lovely post with fascinating history, Madhu. Wonderful photos, as always, too! xx
Thank you Lauren. Hope your weekend is going well.
Such a lovely church, Madhu. I enjoyed reading some of the history and seeing the picture gallery too, as well as the hauntingly beautiful music.
Thank you Sylvia. I thought the (Armenian) music enhanced the feel of the place 🙂
What a fascinating post. Sometimes, I think it is better that they remain hidden, instead of becoming commercialized tourist bazaars. On the other hand…
P.S- In the pic on the left, is that Chanakya there?
I agree, there is always two sides to the coin. No, that figure on the tombstone must be one of their prophets/priests. I neglected to ask. Shall try and get Manjit to confirm. Thank you for reading Sweety.
Hi Madhu, interesting post you have here on the Armenian Church in Chennai. Coincidentally, I came across this article a few days ago abt Armenian history in Myanmar. http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28867884
How interesting! But it seems to be in worse shape than the Madras church. I hope they manage to restore it to some semblance of its former self. Thanks for sharing Kat.
The inscriptions and tombstones are lovely, Madhu, and I love the atmospheric music too.
Not at all to the point, but have you been to Kerala? The photos I’ve seen of it have all been very beautiful. It must be nearly time for your African expedition too? 🙂
A long time ago to Cochin, and a few decades ago to the tea plantations in Munnar when sis lived there. Not yet to the back waters. Hoping to catch the snake boat race next year. The dates have so far clashed with our overseas trips somehow. It is a very picturesque part of India. Cleaner too. My hometown borders the state and is very similar in landscape. So I am a bit biased when it comes to the West Coast 🙂
I remember your visit to the tea plantations but hadn’t made the association. My knowledge of Indian geography is pretty appalling 😦
🙂 Our recent visit was to the region we lived in before we moved to the city, and that is in Tamilnadu. My sister lived on a tea plantation in Munnar, Kerala. I think Lynne and Ron went there.
I should look at Google maps and do the job properly 🙂 🙂
🙂
Beautiful music to accompany your photos and story. I enjoyed the journey.
Madhu, I think the interest in history depends on how well known the site is or advertised. Maybe it was the day I chose, but there were just a few visitors at Saint Etienne du Mont. But the Notre Dame always seemed to be filled with people. It’s a shame. Both churches are gorgeous architectural works.
Thank you again Judy. And I agree. Also this is a city with a very tiny tourist footfall. Yet one can’t get away from the fact that more needs to be done to educate people about their heritage.
A bunch of new information for me. This is the first time I have heard of the duduk and had a chance to hear it. Madhu, I am particularly impressed with your captures of the view over the garden and patio.
Paula, thank you for your always generous comments 🙂
Very interesting, filled with history which I knew nothing of. your writing and your lovely photos brought it all alive….even as it feels it is fading into history 🙂
Thank you for reading Seonaid. Have a great day.
wonderful post replete with history! the belfry at st. mary’s church is so beautiful though it’s a bit eerie to find tombstones beneath the pews. i enjoyed the lovely gallery of pictures with music. 🙂 thank you.
Thank you for reading. Hope your weekend is going well 🙂
So good to see some ‘old’ Madras history – somehow the Northern triangle seem to grab the headlines. I’ve been a bit sidetracked by the Gasparyan – it’s been too long since I listened to that album – a perfect accompaniment to the ghosts of Armenians past.
The haunting tune seemed so right for this post Meredith. A new discovery for me in the course of research for this article. Hadn’t heard the Duduk before either.
I had no idea! So interesting to learn a bit about this unexpected Armenian connection. Intermingled cultures are so rich….
True. Their absence is our loss.
The Presence of Absence
or The Absence of a former presence
whatever; the Armenians discovered India milleniums ago, and very probably before J-C.
The Armenians used to deal with India during the 6th / 7th centuries and their presence is attested on the West Cost since centuries.
For Chennai, it seems that the real development of Armenians dates of the early 17th century, with the great development of Shah Abbas and his capital, Isfahan (Esfahan).
Then, as Isfahan was a kind of Center of the World, and an axis between China / India and Europe, the Armenian entrepreneurs ( I don’t like the term merchants which give a kind of reducing understanding of their action) created a link between Isfahan (Nor Julfa) and Chennai. Nearly all armenian families who lived in Chennai used to come from Isfahan or Shiraz. These businessmen used to export Indian products to Europe with less taxes than others nations. More, Armenians had no one military expectation, and therefore, they considered business more important than political power or military power. English, Portuguese and French did the opposite.
This demonstrates that India was an advanced country for several products, and specilay textiles. The textiles that they used to deal with the most, even are called in France: Indiennes which is the feminin adjectif of Indian.
This business should have been highly important in terms of money, because the French and Deutch and Italian customs used to figth against the Armenian entrepreneurs who used to deliver the goods at nigth in some little ports with nearly no police, avoiding the taxes and increasing the export from India.
Before the welknown Uscan or Woskan (same person) who built the bridge in Chennai, many others Khojja(s) from Isfahan came in Chennai and made some tremendous business.
With English who wanted to take all the control of all business, Armenians were obliged to leave little by little and they established the technic of palampore in Constantinopolis.
Several examples of Constantinople are confused with the real INdian ones. This is because, most of people do not know how to examin a work of art carefully.
To day Armenians from Chennai are nearly all gone and for some persons, it is the presence of Absence.
Thank you very much for the historic insights. I am glad these surviving monuments serve to keep the memory of the Armenian’s vibrant contribution to this city alive.
Beautiful architecture and a rich heritage… I would have never known. Thank you for sharing. The music is a very apt backdrop for this post…
Beautiful, evocative music.
This is awesome. I love the touch of music to your post.
I came in for a second viewing. I’m quite impressed with the research you do. So interesting! I enjoy anything of a historical nature, particularly the periods of antiquity.