understand and appreciate much of what I saw.”⁶ The journey was punctuated with stops with other Missionaries.⁷

Edward Sargent who was stationed hard by Caldwell had a perfect knowledge of Tamil which he spoke as fluently as a native and was also thoroughly familiar with native ideas “which was a great advantage to Caldwell since he could often discuss with him.”⁸

Caldwell settled in Idayangudi. It was a very dry place strewn with palm trees. Caldwell changed it into an inhabitable place. Wells were dug, shady trees planted, and roads laid. Small convenient houses were also built. He built a house for himself and a beautiful Church. (See Plates No.2 & 3).

Schools were also started and there was one for girls (See Plate No.4). Construction of this Church was spread over a long period of nearly 32 years-1847 to 1880. In 1886, the Governor of Madras, Lord Napier and Lady Napier visited Idayangudi.

For the Vienna Exhibition, Caldwell sent as an exhibit a little sand from Idayangudi. Summer was quite intolerably hot and to escape the gruelling heat, Caldwell sought refuge in the cool climes of Iḷañcuṉai. These were days before Kodaikkanal had developed into a summer resort. During his retreat to Iḷañcuṉai Caldwell beguiled his time reading Tamil books.

Caldwell rendered service as a member of the Committee formed to translate the Prayer Book and Bible into Tamil.

He had a great interest in history. With Marco Polo’s mention of ‘Kayal’ in view he concludes that Tamilnad had contact with foreign countries from early times. He shows, for example Tamil words found in Hebrew and Greek. For instance the Tamil work Tōkai has been introduced in Hebrew as ‘Tuki’ meaning the peacock’s plumage and the word Arici

6. Caldwell’s Reminiscences-1894, Pp. 70-71.

7. Ibid. P. 77.

8. Ibid. P. 104.