Migration of Telugu Catholics in Madras Presidency – ce 1780–1910

Abstract The Catholic dioceses of Madras-Mylapore and Chingleput are home to 44 Telugu Catholic villages. These villages were established between 1780 and 1910 by Telugu Catholics who migrated from Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu. This article delves into archival materials to trace the origins and destinations of these migrants, the factors that prompted their migration, the key protagonists and institutions involved, the caste dynamics at play, the assimilation process, and the contributions they made to the local society from a historical perspective. While this article primarily focuses on research about early colonial peasant migrations, it also explores the micro history of the Telugu community, offering insights into the challenges faced by contemporary migrations, including issues of land ownership, citizenship, and identity crisis. Furthermore, it analyses the post-migration environment, highlighting the social interactions, as well as the cultural, religious, and spiritual experiences of these communities. This analysis aims to demonstrate how these Telugu communities have successfully assimilated into the local society while preserving their unique identities.