Robert-de-Nobili’s prestige suffered a great blow and “he realised that this ancient seat of Hinduism was not the best place for recruits to Christianity”.²²

The Sethupathy of the Marava country rebelled against his overlord Tirumala Nayak. The latter enlisted Portuguese support while the Dutch sided the Sethupathy. As a results of this help, the Madura Nayak gave his permission to all those who wished to become Christians and also promised not to be friend the Dutch. In the end, the Marava country was brought under the control of the Madura Nayak. In 1658, the Dutch were able to capture Tuticorin from the Portuguese. Tirumala Nayak seems to have left the coast to the Europeans and was satisfied with the tribute they paid. Robert-de-Nobili was well received by this madura nayak, though occasionally an officer or two had persecuted the Christians.

We have already pointed out that in 1677, Sivaji had invaded South India and had planted Maratta rule in Tanjore. Alarmed at Sivaji’s progress in the South, Aurangazib-the Mogul emperor-decided to stem the tide of his progress. Sivaji had to turn north to meet the Mogul forces. The South now was in imminent danger from the Muhammadans. The death of Sivaji in 1680 removed Aurangazib’s greatest foe. In 1691, we again see the Mogul forces obtaining a certain amount of success and able to levy tributes on Tanjore and Trichinopoly. Famine and pestilence followed in the wake of Muhammadan devastation. The raids and daring robbery of the Kaḷḷars increased. The Christians in Madura were compelled to seek refuge in Trichinopoly and Satyamangalam. Much of the misfortune that had befallen the country was attributed to the Christians and a ruthless persecution of them began.

In 1680 John-de-Britto reached the Madura Mission, preaching in the Marava country became his chief aim. Since 1669 when Christians had been badly persecuted, the Missionaries had almost given up their efforts to spread the Gospel in that country.

22. Ibid. P. 108.