Tranquebar - then and now

Guest lecture by PH.D. fellow Christian Samraj, M.A., M.Th.; Leipzig University, Germany

Time: Friday, 3 October, 2008 from 13.15-15.00

Place: Institute of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies, University of Copenhagen, Artillerivej 86, room 1.34

Hosts: Section for the History of Religions, Institute of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies, University of Copenhagen and the Tranquebar Initiative, Ethnographical Collections, National Museum of Denmark

Abstract

The very name Tranquebar reminds one of religion, language, education, printing, and social activities. The past history of Tranquebar and Tranquebar today will be dealt with from an individual pastoral perspective. The elegant fort Dansborg on the shores of Bay of Bengal and the old relics speak much more than many official records of the Danish-Indian cultural heritage of the place. 10 years in Tranquebar-as pastor of the New Jerusalem Church and later as Director of the Ziegenbalg Spiritual Centre in Tranquebar has changed my whole attitude towards life.