Missionaries of Kerala

In this post, we have compiled some of the most repeated Kerala PSC questions on Missionaries of Kerala and their contributions, based on previous PSC question papers.

It covers important missionaries, missionary groups, their contributions, and other frequently asked facts to help you prepare this important topic in a focused, exam-oriented manner.

Previous Year Repeated PSC Questions on

The credit for taking the first tangible step towards the introduction and diffusion of Western Education goes to – Christian Missionaries. (Commercial Tax Officer, 2015)
Which of the following statement is correct about Missionaries and their field of work? (Physical Education Teacher (HS), 2024)
(i) London Mission Society is in Malabar.
(ii) Church Mission Society is in Kochi, Travancore.
(iii) Basel Evangelical Mission is in Malabar.
(A) Only (ii) and (iii)
(B) Only (i) and (ii)
(C) Only (i) and (iii)
(D) All of the above (i), (ii) and (iii)

സൗജന്യവും നിര്‍ബന്ധിതവുമായ വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ സമ്പ്രദായം തിരുവിതാംകൂറില്‍ നടപ്പിലാക്കിയത്‌ – ഗൗരി പാർവതി ബായി. (Fire & Rescue Officer Trainee, 2026)

Catholic Missionaries

Portuguese Missionaries

The first protestant missionary to arrive in Kerala – Ringeltaube. (Assistant Professor in Transfusion Medicine (Blood Bank), 2018)
Who among the following belonged to the Serampore Missionaries? (Foreman (Service Workshop), 2015)

(A) Rev. Mead (B) Ringeltube

Jesuit Missionaries

The Jesuit Missionaries had arrived in Kerala during the time of – Portuguese. (Lecturer in Physical Education, 2018)
The First Lexicon and a Grammar work in Malayalam was prepared by – Arnos Pathiri. (General Manager, 2017)
Name the Jesuit Missionary who wrote 'Puthenpaana'? Arnos Pathiri. (Junior Manager, 2015)

Carmelite Missionaries

The first Travelogue in Malayalam was written by – Paremakkal Thoma Kathanar. (Foreman (Service Workshop), 2015)
Who is called 'Martin Luther of the East' ? Abraham Malpan. (Assistant Engineer Civil (SR for ST Only), 2017)

Protestant Missionaries

London Mission Society (LMS)

The first missionary to India sent by London Mission Society was – Nathaniel Forsyth. (HST Physical Science, 2025)
William Tobias Ringeltaube is related to – London Mission Society. (Assistant Public Prosecutor Gr II, 2019)
The first LMS Missionary in Travancore – W. T. Ringeltaube. (HSST Sociology(Jr), 2018)
W.T. Ringle Tab, a Christian Missionary who took interest in the introduction of Western education in Kerala belongs to? (Curator Gr II, Zoos, 2016)

(A) Russia (B) Prussia (C) Syria (D) Croatia

Who among the following was a Prussian Protestant Missionary carried out educational activities in Nagercoil and the nearby regions of South Travancore during the early decades of the 19th century? (HST Social Science, 2025)

(A) Reverent Mede (B) Samuel Mateer
(C) Henry Baker (D) William Tobias Ringeltaube

Who established schools in Nagarcoil in the beginning of the 19th Century? Ringeltaube. (Tradesman (Civil), 2016)
The London Mission society at Nagercoil established in 1896 under the patronage of – Gowri Parvati Bai. (Librarian Gr. III, 2015)
Who was called “The Father of South Kerala Mission”? Charles Mead. (Godown Manager, Consumerfed, 2016)
Who among the following missionaries are LMS Missionaries? (Junior Language Teacher (Arabic), 2026)

(i) W T Ringeltaube
(ii) Charles Mead
(iii) G H Ashton
(A) Only (i) & (ii) (B) Only (i) & (iii)
(C) All of the above (D) Only (ii) & (iii)

Church Missionary Society (CMS)

CMS Missionaries found a college at Kottayam. Thomas Norton was the pioneer among the CMS missionaries to Promote education to the oppressed and slave castes in Kerala. When was CMS college started? 1817. (Junior Language Teacher (Hindi), 2024)
One of the prominent families among the Church Mission Society missionaries in Central Travancore was? (Junior Instructor (Wireman), 2016)

(A) Henry Baker family
(B) Mead family
(C) Ringletaube family
(D) Dawson family

Which English missionary who started the ﬁrst mixed school in Kerala? Rev. Thomas Norton. (High School Teacher Arabic, 2024)
Name the British missionary who opened the English school at Mattancherry in the year 1818? Rev. J. Dawson. (Trade Instructor Gr II (Textile), 2019; HSST Geography (Junior), 2018)

Name the British Missionary who established an English school at Mattancheri in 1818 with the financial aid from Cochin Government – Rev. J. Dawson. (Lecturer in Physical Science, 2018; HSA (English), 2015)

When was the CMS missionaries set up a grammar school at Kottayam? (Environmental Scientist, 2017)

(A) 1825 (B) 1821 (C) 1816 (D) 1806

Benjamin Bailey

Father of Malayalam printing – Benjamin Bailey. (General Manager, 2017)
C.M.S. Press, the first printing press in Kerala was established by – Benjamin Bailey. (Higher Secondary School Teacher, 2018)
Where did Benjamin Bailey establish the first printing press in Kerala? Kottayam. (Assistant Engineer Civil (SR for ST Only), 2017)
Which Christian Missionary was responsible for the establishment of CMS press at Kottayam? Benjamin Bailey.
Benjamin Bailey is associated with the publication of the first newspaper in Kerala called – Jnana Nikshepam. (KAS, 2020)
Consider the following statements regarding the historic Malayalam publication Jnana Nikshepam: (Degree Level Prelims Stage III, 2026)

I. While earlier periodicals were handwritten and lithographed, Jnana Nikshepam utilized movable Malayalam types for printing and introduced a structured page layout, including a table of contents titled ‘Sangathi Vivarangal’.
II. Historical research confirms that the publication was started under the editorship of Benjamin Bailey, whose layout designs were later emulated by subsequent magazines.
III. The early Malayalam novel form, Pullelikunju by Archdeacon Koshy, was serialized in the columns of Jnana Nikshepam.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

(A) I, II only (B) II, III only
(C) I, III only (D) All of the above

Basel Evangelical Mission (BEM)

Which missionary organization was active in Malabar Area? Basel Evangelical Mission. (Medical Officer Siddha, 2017)

The Christian Missionaries works in Malabar area – B.E.M. (Confidential Assistant Gr II, 2016)

Name the Missionary group initiated the educational activities of Malabar – Basel Evangelical Mission. (Statistical Assistant, 2025)

The missionaries who laid foundation of western education in Malabar were – Basel Evangelical Mission. (Junior Lecturer in Sculpture, 2017)

Which of the following Christian Missionary started first western education schools in Malabar? (Assistant Sub Inspector Trainee (Telecommunication), 2025)

(A) The Basel Evangelical Mission
(B) London Mission Society
(C) Church Mission Society
(D) Franciscan Missionary

The Brennen School at Tellicherry started in 1862 under the auspices of – Basel Mission. (Computer Asst. Gr.II (+2 Level Main Exam), 2022)

In which year did the Basel Mission start the Thalasseri Brennen School? 1862. (Junior Language Teacher (Hindi), 2026)

The First Girl’s School of the BEM in Kerala was opened in 1839 at – Vadakara. (Accountant Gr III, Kerala State Coir Corporation, 2016)
Govt. Brennen College was started by which of the following missionaries? (Foreman (Service Workshop), 2015)

(A) Basel Mission (B) C.M.S. Missionaries (C) L.M.S. Missionaries (D) Serampore Missionaries

Which missionary played an important role in the development of Malabar Christian College? BEM. (Junior Public Health Nurse Gr I, 2016)
Which of the following statement is/are not correct about Basel Evangelical Mission? (Part Time Junior Language Teacher (Hindi), 2023)

i. The first three missionaries of the BASEL Mission reached Calicut in 1834.
ii. Their first mission station was established in Mangalore in 1834.
iii. Their last mission station was established in Vaniyamkulam in 1907.

(A) i, ii and iii are not correct (B) ii and iii are not correct
(C) iii is not correct (D) ii is not correct

Which missionary group launched Tile Industry in Kerala – BEM. (Senior Lecturer in Paediatrics, 2018)
Given below are some of the contributions of Christian missionary groups in Kerala: (Accountant/ Cashier/ Jr. Audit Assistant etc, 2021)

i. Founding of schools for the girls
ii. Establishment of printing press
iii. Starting of Industrial Schools
iv. Founding of Industrial/commercial establishments

Which of the above are true about the activities of the Basel Evangelical Mission?

(A) (i), (ii) and (iii)
(B) (i), (iii) and (iv)
(C) (i), (ii) and (iv)
(D) All of the above

Herman Gundert

Herman Gundert was a member of – Basel Evangelical Mission. (Chief General Manager, 2015)

Herman Gundert belonged to which missionary movement? Basel Mission. (Superintendent Finance, 2017; II Gr Overseer/Draftsman Civil, 2016)

The first authentic book in Malayalam grammar was prepared by – Herman Gundert. (HST Hindi, 2025)
Hermann Gundert who prepared the first Dictionary in Malayalam is associated with which of the following Missions? (Pharmacist Gr II, 2015)

(A) Basel Mission (B) Missionaries of Charity
(C) English Charitable (D) London Mission Society

Who introduced Punctuations marks like full stop, coma, semicolon & question marks in Malayalam language? Herman Gundert. (High School Teacher Arabic, 2024)
The newspaper 'Rajyasamacharam' is associated with – Herman Gundert. (Vocational Teacher in Dairying (Milk Products), 2018)
The two Malayalam Newspapers called 'Rajyasamacharam' and 'Paschimodayam' were started by whom? Herman Gundert. (Sr Lecturer in Dermatology & Venereology, 2018)
The book ‘Vedacharithra Saram’ is written by – Herman Gundert. (Junior Language Teacher (Arabic), 2024)
Which of the following is not a book written by German missionary Herman Gundert? (Administrative Assistant Police, 2026)

(A) Kerala Samacharam (B) Kerala Pazhama
(C) Keralopathi (D) Malayala Bhasha Vyakaranam

Salvation Army

In Southern most part of Travancore ___________ established English schools for the first time – Twinkle Tab of Salvation Army. **(Mural Expert (Sculpture), 2018)

The policy of education to all irrespective of caste and religion was flagged off in Kerala

with the help of Christian missionaries who started English education in Kerala? Rev. Meed Dowson. (Junior Language Teacher (Hindi), 2024)

The "flagging off" of education to all in Kerala is often attributed to the Travancore Rescript of 1817 by Rani Gowri Parvathi Bai. But couldn't find a missionary named Rev. Meed Dowson (given in the final answer key), could only find Rev. Charles Mead (LMS) & Rev. J. Dawson (CMS).

I could be wrong, if any one can find Rev. Meed Dowson or know more about it, please write it below in the comment section.

** Read more about Twinkle Tab of Salvation Army, from here: Missionaries of Kerala PSC Notes

Miscellaneous

Who among the following were included in the First Jesuit Mission that visited Akbar’s court in 1580? (Degree Prelims Stage II, 2026)

(1) Francis Xavier
(2) Rudolf Aquaviva
(3) St. Augustine
(4) Antony Monseratte

(A) (1) and (2) (B) (2) and (3)
(C) (2) and (4) (D) (3) and (4)

Which among the following statement/s in connection with the Christian missionaries of Kerala is/are correct? (Statistical Assistant Gr. II / Statistical Investigator Gr. II, 2022)

1. W. T. Ringletaube and Rev. Mead worked for the promotion of education in Travancore.
2. Rev. J. Dawson started an English school in Mattanchery in 1818.
3. Herman Gundert worked in the education of Malabar as part of Basel Evangelical Mission.

(A) 1 is correct
  (B) 1 & 2 are correct
  (C) 2 & 3 are correct
  (D) All are correct

Which of the following statement is/are correct? (Non Vocational Teacher Geography (Junior), 2024; HSST (Chemistry), 2024; HSST (English) Jr, 2024)

i. Rev. J Dawson made the ﬁrst Shanar converts around Nagercoil

ii. Rev. Charles Mead was responsible for getting the right for Shanar Christian women to cover their breast with a distinctive jacket

iii. LMS missionaries campaign for the abolition of slavery in Travancore started in 1847

iv. The ﬁrst government vernacular school in Trivandrum was opened in August 1866

(A) only (i, ii and iii)

(B) only (ii, iii and iv)

(D) all of the above (i, ii, iii and iv)

Which of the following statement is/are correct? (Probation Officer Gr II, 2024)

i. Rev. J. Dawson started a school at Mattancherry in 1818.

ii. A. F. Sealy is associated with the progress of English education in Cochin.

iii. J. Roberts was pioneer of English education in Travancore.

(A) Only i and ii (B) Only ii and iii

Which of the following statement is/are correct? (Probation Officer Gr II, 2024)

i. The year of abolition of slavery in Malabar was 1843.

ii. Ayilyam Thirunal issued proclamation abolishing slavery in Travancore.

iii. Christian missionaries gave representation to Travancore maharaja in 1847 for entire emancipation of slaves in the state.

(A) Only i and ii (B) Only ii and iii

(C) Only i and iii (D) All of the above i, ii and iii

Which one of the following is correct while considering the missionaries and their spouse? (Junior Language Teacher (Sanskrit), 2024)

A B

(a) Benjamin Bailey I. Johanna Celestina

(b) Herman Gundert II. Elizabeth Ella

(d) Charles Malt IV. Martha

(A) II, I, III, IV

(B) II, III, I, IV

(D) III, IV, I, II

Conclusion

Missionaries of Kerala is an important topic for Kerala PSC exams, particularly because questions related to missionaries, missionary groups, their arrival in Kerala, and their contributions have appeared repeatedly in previous question papers.

Revising these repeated questions can therefore help you focus on the facts that matter most from an examination perspective.

This post will be updated regularly with new questions, additional previous-year questions, and other important facts as they become relevant.

So, bookmark this page and revisit it during your Kerala PSC preparation to keep your revision up to date.

Missionaries of Kerala | Repeated PSC Questions

Previous Year Repeated PSC Questions on