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Foreword
P. 13–14.
The history of Christianity in India has attracted the attention of many scholars, and an interested reader could find numerous books on the subject, classic as well as recently published ones. The book, for which I am honoured to write this foreword, is however quite a special one. Modern research methods in historical studies require a space between the scholar and his subject matter, the distance still being kept even when the scholar finally masters what he or she is treating. Students are taught today that the mastery of their material can only be achieved if they keep critical and analytical minds. Yet, when they touch on the matter of history, they soon find out that it lives its own life. Moving traditions and fascinating legends, along with reliable facts, form a milieu m which different people are seen to act, and interpret one another’s action differently. Critical analysis here is often insufficient. One needs a guide who, while being a good scholar, is still deeply involved in what has happened. someone who can both teach history and tell eye-opening stories. The author of the present book is such a well-educated and experienced guide.
