Book claims Jesus was a Hindu who spoke Tamil and practiced Yoga; Christians protest in India

Christians in India launched a protest last week over the re-launch of a book which claims Jesus was a Hindu, with protestors saying the author's claims are a form of attack on Christianity.

The book "Christa Parichay" by Ganesh Savarkar claims Jesus was a Tamil Brahmin by birth and that Christianity is a sect under Hinduism. Initially published in 1946, the book has now been translated into English and was re-launched on Friday at the Swatantryaveer Savarkar National Memorial, according to The Hindu.

The controversial book also claims that Jesus died in Kashmir and that members of the Essene cult rescued him after the crucifixion. He was then restored to life using medicinal plants from the Himalayas, DNA India adds.

Moreover, the book claims that the Palestinian and Arab lands of the present world were Hindu land. Jesus Christ, whose real name was allegedly Keshao Krishna, had a dark complexion and spoke Tamil. The book goes on to claim that Jesus went to India and learned yoga there.

Prior to the launch event, members of the Alpha Omega Christian Mahasangh had threatened to stage a protest outside the venue of the launch. However, the demonstration did not take place at the time.

The Hubballi Taluka Pastors and Christian Leaders' Association backed last week's protest, wherein Christians held up placards claiming it was an attack on their faith. Other placards contained appeals for Jesus to forgive Savarkar for what he wrote.

For the Christian protestors, "Christa Parichay" was re-launched to create division among the communities in the country, the report relays. However, the author's grandson Ranjit Savarkar, claims Christians who read the book will feel a surge of pride after finishing it.

Father Warner D'Souze, the director of the Bombay Archdiocesan Heritage Museum said "Christa Parichay" and other similar books will not shake any Christian's beliefs.

"Christa Parichay" by Ganesh Savarkar was re-launched along with five of his other books on the 70^{th death anniversary of the author's brother V D Savarkar.}