Continuing with the Danish Heritage of Tranquebar from the last post. Soon after Zeigenbalg and Plütschau landed, they began propagating their religion.
In 1707 the Jerusalem Church was built which proved to be too small. So in 1718, the New Jerusalem Church was built – the still standing, first ever protestant Lutheran church of India (not to be confused with first ever church in India. Christianity came to India with Apostle St.Thomas and the earliest church of Kerala is of 52CE).
Ziegenbalg then proceeded to learn the local language of Tamil and translated Bible to Tamil. He also founded the first ever printing press in India and printed the Tamil Bible! He also continued to translate some Tamil books to German! He died in 1719 and was buried here! His tombstone is here as well.
Just opposite to the New Jerusalem Church is the Zeigenbalg spiritual centre where the writing table, pen etc used by him are preserved. They can also be seen upon request at the church! Behind this is another Danish building Gruendler’s House which is now being used as a boys’ hostel.
Though there are a lot of burials within the church premises, behind the New Jerusalem Church is the large Old Danish Cemetery. Today the house he lived in is under restoration to be converted to a Museum and the little chapel beside it is also being restored. The printing press was continued to be used as a typewriting institute which has now fallen in disuse and is yet to be restored!
The main King’s street has quite a few more Danish buildings incl the Ladies Hostel (which has been shifted and the building is in disuse) just opposite to Neemrana Gate House, Muhldorff’s House (which is now a private property) just beside Gate House.
Beside the spiritual centre is the Van Theylingen’s House which is locally called Pillar House today (yeah, the reason is pretty evident). This is where the Dr.Van Theylingen lived and today this has been renovated by INTACH and then taken over by Best Seller. Next to this is the Rehling’s House which was used as the St.Theresa’s Teachers’ Training institute and now renovated and is under lock & key.
In the Gold Smith street 5 such old buildings were renovated by INTACH and later taken over by Best Seller now. One of it is Thanga House which has been taken over by Neemrana and will be soon available to stay. At the end of this street is a 3D stone map of Tranquebar on the beach made by Best Seller Foundation!
To Get There:
On Google Maps - New Jerusalem Church, Zeigenbalg spiritual centre, Gruendler’s House, Old Danish Cemetery, Zeigenbalg House, Chapel& Printing Press, Muhldorff’s House, Van Theylingen’s House, Rehling’s House, Stone Map.
All are walkable from Bungalow and the Beach, Neemrana Hotels. Refer to my earlier post to reach the hotel.
Here’s the INTACH Map of all the important buildings of Tranquebar.