INDO-ARMENIAN FRIENDSHIP NGO, which is also known as IAF, is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization (NGO) officially registered in Armenia, committed to benchmark INDIA-ARMENIA relationships in the world-map. We appeal to all those people to join this group, who want to see these two great countries together. Be it Trade, Educational-Exchange, Cross-cultural relationship, Marita
l relationship, Tourism or anything else. Contacts between India and Armenia go back over 2,500 years, with evidence of an Indian community in Armenia in the 5th century BC. Armenian theologist Yeghishe (5th century) refers to the "Hindu language" as musical. Although some experts claim the existence of the Armenian community on the Malabar Coast in the 7th century, the first recorded visit is that of Armenian trader Thomas Cana who reached the Malabar Coast in 780 AD. The first guide book to Indian cities in Armenian was written in the 12th century. By the middle ages, the Armenian towns of Artashat, Metsbin and Dvin had become important centers for trade with India which exported precious stones, herbs and textiles to Armenia, and obtained hides and dyes. In 1688 Armenian merchants who had helped the British find their way to and within India were granted the status of "Free Citizens of England". Emperor Akbar married an Armenian woman (Mariam) and appointed an Armenian doctor to his household and an Armenian Chief Justice. In the 16th century, Armenian communities emerged in Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai and Agra, where the first Armenian Church was consecrated in 1562. There is an Armenian Street in Chennai while the Armenian Church of Holy Mother is an important landmark. The Armenian community of Kolkata runs the Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy. A special Armenian postage stamp in 1994 marked the 200th anniversary of the founding in Chennai of "Azdarar", the first Armenian journal in the world. Shamir Shahmiryan, a leading 18th century Armenian nationalist published his vision of the Armenian nation in Madras in 1773 ("Trap of Vanities"). Gauhar Jan of Armenian origin was the first recorded Indian classical singer. These traditional historical and cultural links have produced a vast reservoir of goodwill and warmth for India. Co-Founded by Rananjay Anand from India and Ruzanna Ashughyan Anand from Armenia. So come and let's join our hands together for the greatest INDO-ARMENIA relationship. FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/india.armenia/
