The Christian Church in Kerala is the fruit of the ministry of St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ, in the first century, A. D. Among the centers of the early Christian civilization is Kurivilangad, a settlement in Central Kerala.
From Kurivilangad, some Christian families moved over to Chengannur in the early part of the eleventh century. These families were authorized to partake in certain rituals associated with the Hindu temples around Chengannur. Acknowledging their devoted and sincere services, the temple authorities granted them the title of “Tharakan”. Names of honour such as Tharakan (Tharian), Kunjummen and Pothen are still indicators of the recognition these people had in the bygone days. The Christian families of Chittoor, Panavelil and Kadathottu in Chengannur are identified as descendants of the settler families from Kurivilangad. Agriculture and business were their major occupations. Their collective efforts resulted in the establishment of a Christian community in Chengannur and the building up of a church. The present Syrian church of Chengannur stands on the same spot as of the ancient church of the settlers.
