Ferdinand Kittel worked for nearly four decades with the Basel Mission Society in South India, yet remains largely forgotten in Germany. In Karnataka, however, he is celebrated not primarily as a missionary but as a linguist who significantly shaped Kannada, the state's official language, and bolstered regional identity. His contrasting fame in India and obscurity in Europe can be traced to his early emphasis on adapting to local cultures, echoing Paul’s call for evangelists to connect with diverse communities. Kittel sought to immerse himself in Indian society, but the Mission committee rejected his accommodating approach, confining him mainly to mission press work and marginalizing his efforts. Nevertheless, his dedication allowed him to master local languages and literature, earning him lasting recognition. This volume's articles explore Kittel’s life and contributions, contextualizing his work within sociocultural dynamics in Europe and India. They highlight his vision for effective mission work, the role of epics and music in his evangelization strategies, and the significance of his philological research. Scholars from Germany, India, and Switzerland collaborate to portray Kittel as a vital linguist and a figure navigating multiple cultures, which shaped both his successes and challenges.
