Minding the Gaps: The St. Thomas Reliquary from Mylapore
Abstract
The reliquary in question here has disappeared. It was created in the second half of the 16th century, and the only extant photographs of it make clear that it is an object of great significance. This article emphasizes the importance of considering not only existing objects but also the voids and losses in our understanding of global material culture. The reliquary was made for a site in Mylapore that had been a center of Christian worship since the 4th century, predating the Portuguese arrival in India. It has an intriguing story intertwined with the Syrian Church then in charge of the so-called St. Thomas Christians in India. The reliquary is a unique blend of Christian, Islamic, and Hindu artistic elements and reflects the complex cultural and religious context of the time. Its intricate design features vegetal leaf ornaments, figural depictions, and symbolic representations such as peacocks and swans. Its origin and production remain uncertain, with possibilities ranging from local craftsmanship in Goa to creation in Cochim or Mylapore. The reliquary's creation coincided with a period of conflict between Portuguese state officials and the free Portuguese merchants in Mylapore, where St. Thomas and his relics became a source of contention. Understanding this object contributes to a deeper understanding of early modern global dynamics and the interplay of various cultures and faiths.
Date Issued
2025-01-10
Publication Type
Article
Subjects
St. Thomas Christians
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India
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Mylapore
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Goa
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reliquary
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entanglements
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Syrian Church
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loss
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archive
Language(s)
en
Additional Credits
Journal
Journal of Early Modern History: Contacts, Comparisons, Contrasts
Publisher
Brill Academic Publishers
ISSN
1385-3783
Access(Rights)
metadata.only