The Bible and the Sickle
The Role of the American Arcot Mission and the Development of Agriculture and Industry in Southern India
Abstract
This paper describes the role of American missionaries in shaping the rural countryside of the southernmost part of India. It mainly emphasizes the role of modern industrial and agricultural education, which led to the emergence of rural economic development and educational evangelism under the aegis of the American Arcot Mission. This objective of the missionaries had a substantial impact on the living conditions of the rural
masses. The missionaries widely encouraged the establishment of the Katpadi Industrial and Agricultural Institute for young boys and men. The Women’s Industrial Institute was established by the missionaries to meet the requirement of women and girls. The Rottschaefer family in India, as guardians of rural people, served tirelessly in promoting the Gospel throughout the territories served by the American Arcot Mission. The courses offered in these institutes and demonstration centers included Elementary Agriculture, Gardening and Fruit Production, Poultry Keeping, Animal Husbandry, Essential Mechanics, Improved Methods of Preparing Products for the Market, and Rural Leadership. The scientific development supported by these influential institutes ultimately paved the way for the technological and economic advancement of the rural world.
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