The visit to C S I, Clarinda Church at
Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli was a part of “Tirunelveli Heritage Walk”, organised
by CultureCircuits, on 11th to 13th
July 2025. Thanks to Balakumaran GS and Krishnakumar TK for arranging this walk.
A brief history of Clarinda…
Clarinda, as Kokila, was born in 1746 CE to an orthodox
Marathi Brahmin family at Thanjavur. She lost her parents at a young age and
was brought up by her Grandfather. She learned Sanskrit, Tamil, and Telugu. When
she was in a nandhavan, she was bitten by a snake. She was saved by a British
officer, Harry Lyttelton.
Later, at the age of 13, in 1759 CE, she was married to a Marathi Brahmin, who died after some time. As per the
Marathi Brahmi’s custom, she was forced to take sati (pushing her into the
funeral fire along with her husband). This time, the British officer Harry
Lyttelton also saved her from sati. (It is to be noted that an ordinance was passed
by the British, abolishing sati - 1829 CE, by William Bentinck Prabhu). Since nobody was ready to give asylum, Harry
Lyttelton took her to Palayamkottah after he was transferred to Tirunelveli in
1790 CE. At Palayamkottah, he taught her English, through which she could read Christianity. Harry Lyttelton went to London and died there due to illness
(Peptic ulcer). Before his death, he left a will,
which states that all his property is to be handed over to Kokila. On 3rd
March 1778 CE, Kokila was converted to Christianity and named Royal Clarinda by Rev. C. E. Schwartz. She was the 1st woman to convert to
Christianity.
She spent all her property towards the Community welfare
service and spreading Christianity. In a span of 2 years, she was able to
convert 40 people. For prayer, she initially built a thatched roof shed and
taught them the bible also. The locals called her Pappathi Amma, fondly.
In 1785 CE, she built a permanent Church with her
own funds and from other British officers’s help and the same was consecrated by
Rev. C. E. Schwartz. This was the 1st Protestant Church built in
Tirunelveli. The Church was called Pappathi Ammal Kovil by the locals. She
extended the service of education to the new converts, which is now functioning as
a College.
It was said by the brother of the Church that
Clarinda died in 1806 CE, at the age of 60, due flood in the river, and her body
was also washed away. Only a memorial was built in the Church premises. Every
year, 23rd August is observed as Clarinda Day.
Clarinda’s memorial…
Sacred to the memory of Clarinda. The
first baptised Christian in Tirunelvely on 0rd March, 1778, who pioneered the
formation of the Church in Tirunelvely and built for its use. This first Church was out of her own resources. This church was dedicated by Rev. C. E. Schwartz on
23rd August, 1785.
The inscription on the CLARINDA’s Memorial.
Sacred to the memory of
CLARINDA
கிளாரிந்தாள்
about 1750 – 1806 CE.
Built the first Church in Palayamkottah
which was
dedicated by Schwartz in 1785.
RIP.
Erected by the grateful Church.
1959.
Glarinda Church Inscription…
In grateful memory of
Lt.Col Trotter
A man of God, Cornelius indeed
Who, while he was the commandant of the Local front
Assisted wholeheartedly
The early S.P.C.K Missionaries –
Schwartz, Gericke, Phole – Later on
Rev. James Hough, in their labours to plant
Christianity in Tirunelveli and encouraged
Glarinda in the erection of this Church
12th July 1994. Military line con gregations
Harry Lyttelton’s Memorial…
In memory of Captain. Harry Lyttelton, an English officer who, while stationed at Thanjore during the mid-18th Century, saved twice Royal Clarinda from imminent death, led her to the knowledge of Christ, and by his transfer brought her to Palayamkottai, and who, in grateful acknowledgment of her Nursing him and in his failing health. During his last day’s bequeathed his entire property to be spent for her welfare of its infant Church.
LOCATION OF THE CHURCH: CLICK HERE
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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