The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c24.121.3

v1.c24.121.3

The second thing which I always tried, though in vain, to make both Christians and Pagans understand, is that our religion is no more the religion of the Portuguese than of any other nation; and that by becoming a Christian an Indian does not lose his honour or his caste, but rather keep all the honour he had, and adds to it the much greater glory of becoming an adopted son of God. But it is useless for us to speak to them in this way; we fail entirely to persuade them; for those who come to us are invariably regarded by Christians and Pagans as joining the caste of the Pranguis or Portuguese, or of that of the Paravas, according to the nature of the converts; and the Pagans look down upon us in the matter of caste, as being below everything. In consequence respectable Pagans, or even the Christians of St. Thomas, refuse to admit those converts into their houses or to their churches. Fr. Roberto has obtained totally different results. Hence, though both Christians and Pagans well know that the law he preaches is the same as that of the Portuguese (as is proved by the crosses and other pious objects which those Chrstians wear in place of the image of their gods), the Christians (of de Nobili) have the satisfaction of being assured that the Father is not a Prangui; and the Pagans, who have the same conviction, are appeased and have no difficulties in dealing with the Christians in all social or civil matters” ¹.