“A Useful Tool”: A Lutheran Catechete in Tamil Nadu (The Story of Rajanaika)

Since the early 18th century, the Danish Royal Mission had been operating in the South of India. Its staff created schools, translated the Holy Scripture and built a church. They could not do all this work on their own. Since the beginning, so-called “catechetes”, or pastors’ assistants, from among local residents, helped them. Their duties were varied, but the main task was considered to be conversations about Christian teaching with the inhabitants of the region. Therefore, orator qualities were valued most of all in “catechetes”. Such staff were trained by missionary schools. A talented graduate who first became a “catechete” could become a preacher in the future. The names of many “catechetes” have been preserved in the documents. Among these names is the name of Rajanaika. Born into a Catholic family, the young man converted from Catholicism to Lutheranism. However, he could not become a preacher. The main reason for this was his low caste status. Despite this, his name has been constantly found in the documents for many years. Much of the attention paid to him is due to his extraordinary biography, full of all kinds of adversities. This creates the image of Rajanaika as a staunch Christian, suffering torments for his faith. Biographies like Rajanaika’s have similarities to typical hagiography. Publications about his life perfectly played the role of a propaganda tool. They strengthened the authority of the Lutheran Church in the region and damaged the image of the “enemies of Rajanaika”, Catholics.