be conclusively proven, as the same characteristic is also observed in pre-Christian Buddhist crosses and Swastika-variants found in the region, and even in the Greek crosses. An Indian cross is depicted on the rock-piece at the front of the Parur (North) church, first published in the St Thomas Christian Encyclopaedia of India'', Vol.II, 1973, Ed. George Menachery. There is a St Thomas cross in stone on the porch of the Church of St Thomas the Apostle, Killinghall, carved by Charles Mawer of Leeds. Interpretation of the inscriptions Arthur Coke Burnell, archeologist, in 1873, translated the inscriptions as follows: "In punishment by the cross (was) the suffering of this one; He who is the true christ, and God above and Guide ever pure." Prof. F. C. Burkitt and C. P. T. Winckworth, the then reader of Assyriology in the University of Cambridge studied the inscriptions and produced a translation. This has been discussed at the International Congress of Orientalists held at Oxford in 1925. The interpretation is as follows: "My Lord Christ, have mercy upon Afras son of Chaharbukht the Syrian, who cut this (or, who caused this to be cut)." On the large cross, there is this additional sentence in Estrangelo Syriac. (Galatians 6:14) "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." The inscription at Kadamattom church when translated is, "I, the beautiful bird of Nineveh has come to this land. Written by me Shapper, who was saved by the Holy Messiah from misery." Symbolism of Mar Thoma Sleeva Unlike crosses in other traditions, the St Thomas cross does not carry the effigy of the Christ. In addition to this unique quality, each of its elements carry symbolic meanings. Generally the Cross symbolizes life rather than death and suffering. Lacking the effigy of Jesus, the St Thomas cross presages the discovery of the empty tomb, glorifying the Resurrection of Jesus. The four edges of the cross are floral in shape, symbolizing fruition and life from the tree of life. The lotus flower beneath the cross is a symbol of Buddhism and India. A cultural adaptation of local imagery, the cross fixed on the lotus would symbolize Christianity in India in the first century. The lotus is also a Puranic holy flower, an offering to God in the Hindu tradition; anything offered on the leaves of lotus is considered to be auspicious. The three steps below