Religion in ancient Tamil country or monasteries, learned monks preached their sermons, seated in a place which was entirely concealed from the view of the audience. The Buddhists did not observe the distinctions of caste and invited all ranks to assemble on a footing of equality. Self-control, wisdom and charity were among the virtues preached and practiced by the monks, who were numerous in the ancient Tamil country. Christianity is said to be introduced in India by St. Thomas the Apostle who landed at Muziris on Malabar Coast in the year 52 AD. These ancient Christians are today known as Saint Thomas Christians or Syriac
Malabar (Naval Exercise) ship and the nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine and a P-3C maritime patrol aircraft. Indian naval units included guided-missile destroyers and ; the guided-missile frigates , , , and ; the replenishment tanker ; and a "Shishumar"-class diesel-electric submarine. The Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and U.S. Navy expanded their maritime partnerships during exercise Malabar 2009, held off the coast of Japan between 29 April and 3 May 2009. The features of Exercise Malabar 2009 were: • Visit, Board, Search & Seizure (VBBS) techniques • Surface warfare maneuvers • Anti-submarine warfare • Gunnery training • Air defense The ships involved