The German born Ziegenbalg,the first Protestant Christian missionary landed in Tharangabadi, Nagapatinam on 9th July 1706.He translated the New Testament from Latin to Tamil and vastly responsible for printing press and Tamil publications in Tamil Nadu..His proficiency in Tamil interacted well with the locals paved way to build churches which are still in use today.He died at a early age of 37 while Translating Old Testament in Tamil.
Robert de Nobili 1577-1656
Robert de Nobili came to India in 1605 and lived in Madurai is a Italian born.He mastered in Tamil and Sanskrit called himself Tattuva Pothagar (teacher of wisdom).
De Nobili adopted Indian customery by wearing white dhoti and wooden sandals.He targeted the Brahmins and the high caste of Indians for his conversions.He gave up meat and carried stick and water jug like a hindu monk.He engaged a brahmin cook ate only rice and vegetables and slept on the floors.While writing Psalms and prayers in Tamil he paid greater attention to Sanskrit.The locals regarded him as Iyer and Christian theology was introduced successfully to the Brahmins.
