Thoma of Villarvattom

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Raja Thoma Villarvattom was a Christian King of Villarvattom, a vassal principality of the Kingdom of Cochin.

In 1599, Archbishop Alexio de Menezes sailed to Cochin. He was disappointed by the inability of the clergy to convert at least one of the Rajas of Cochin to Christianity despite the Portuguese presence there for over a century. On his way to see the Raja of Cochin, the Archbishop was jeered at by Nasranis who took offense to Portuguese interference in their lives. On meeting the Raja of Cochin, the Archbishop held him responsible for this incident and also urged him to convert to Christianity. To escape this situation, the Raja directed him to his vassal principality of Villarvattom. He suggested that the King there could be induced to accept Christianity since according to legend, his ancestors were originally Christian.

Archbishop Menezes met with the Raja of Villarvattom and found him to be keen to accept Christianity. In a few days, the Raja was baptized by the Archbishop at the Chendamangalam seminary and christened "Thomas". He was henceforth known as Raja Thoma Villarvattom. Raja Thoma Villarvattom did not have an heir to succeed him. Therefore, he had his kingdom handed over to the Paliath Achan after his death.

[edit] References and External Links

• Raja Thoma Villarvattom - King of the Nasranis