Description: Discover the history of churches in India—from St. Thomas in 52 AD to colonial cathedrals to modern congregations. Explore how Christianity arrived, evolved, and diversified across India.
Let me tell you about the moment I realized Christianity in India is older than Christianity in most of Europe.
I was visiting a Syrian Christian church in Kerala. The guide casually mentioned, "This tradition dates to 52 AD when St. Thomas arrived." I did the mental math. That's twenty years after Jesus's death. Before Paul wrote most of his letters. Before the Gospels were written down. Before Peter reached Rome.
Christianity came to India during the lifetime of people who knew Jesus personally, and has existed continuously in Kerala for nearly two millennia—predating the conversion of England, Germany, France, and most of Europe by centuries.
The history of Christianity in India isn't a colonial import story, though colonialism drastically shaped it later. It's a complex 2,000-year narrative involving ancient trade routes, indigenous traditions, Portuguese Inquisitions, British missionaries, Syrian rites, Latin masses, and distinctly Indian expressions of faith that would be unrecognizable to many Western Christians.
Churches in India history includes ancient communities that maintained their traditions for centuries before Europeans arrived, colonial-era conversions (willing and coerced), architectural marvels built by Portuguese and British, and the development of uniquely Indian Christian identities that blend ancient liturgies with local cultures.
Indian Christian heritage is far more diverse than most people realize—Syrian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant denominations, Pentecostal movements, Anglo-Indian congregations, tribal Christian communities, and Dalit liberation theology all coexisting in a predominantly Hindu nation where Christians comprise roughly 2.3% of the population.
So let me walk you through Christianity's arrival in India, how it evolved through different periods, the major churches and denominations that exist today, and what makes Indian Christianity distinct from Christianity elsewhere.
Because this story started two thousand years ago.
And it's still being written.
The Ancient Beginning: St. Thomas and the First Christians (52 AD)
Early Christianity in India:
The Legend (That Might Be History)
St. Thomas the Apostle: According to tradition, arrived on the Malabar Coast (Kerala) in 52 AD.
The story: Thomas, one of Jesus's twelve disciples (famous for doubting the resurrection), traveled to India following ancient trade routes connecting the Roman Empire to India's spice coast.
Where he went: Landed at Kodungallur (ancient Muziris), preached in Kerala, established seven churches, then traveled to Tamil Nadu (Mylapore, now Chennai).
His death: Martyred in 72 AD near Chennai. St. Thomas Mount and San Thome Basilica mark the sites associated with his ministry and death.
Trade routes existed: Roman-Indian trade was extensive in first century. Finding Roman coins and pottery in Kerala confirms this.
Early Christian presence: Historical records from third and fourth centuries reference Indian Christian communities.
Thomas Christians (Nasrani): Ancient community in Kerala that traces its origins to St. Thomas. Maintained distinct identity for centuries.
Syrian connection: Early Indian Christians followed East Syriac liturgy and maintained ties with Church of the East in Persia/Mesopotamia.
Skepticism exists: Some historians question whether Thomas specifically came to India, but evidence of very early Christian presence is solid.
Tradition claims Thomas founded seven churches (Ezharappallikal) in Kerala:
- Kodungallur (Cranganore)
- Kollam (Quilon)
- Niranam
- Nilackal
- Kokkamangalam
- Kottakkayal
- Palayoor
These communities: Maintained their faith for centuries with minimal outside contact, developing unique traditions.
The Middle Period: Syrian Christians and Indigenous Development (300-1500 AD)
Pre-colonial Christianity in India:
Syrian Christian Community
Cultural integration: Christians adopted Indian social structures (caste, dress, customs) while maintaining Christian faith.
High status: Many were high-caste Hindu converts or Jewish traders who became Christian. Maintained social prestige.
Trade networks: Connected to Persian and Middle Eastern Christian communities through maritime trade.
Language: Syriac liturgy, Malayalam vernacular. Scriptures and prayers in Syriac.
Bishops from Persia: Church of the East sent bishops to oversee Indian Christians, maintaining connection to broader Christian world.
The Thomas of Cana Migration (345 AD)
Traditional account: Thomas of Cana (Knai Thoma), a Syrian merchant-bishop, arrived with 72 Christian families from Mesopotamia.
Impact: Strengthened Syrian Christian community, brought clergy and Christian texts.
Northist and Southist division: Created social division in community (Northists - newer arrivals, Southists - older community).
Limited European contact: Until Portuguese arrival in 1498, Indian Christians had minimal contact with Western Christianity.
Developed unique practices: Blend of Syriac liturgy, Indian cultural practices, and local traditions.
No Inquisition or persecution: Hindu rulers generally tolerant. Christians existed peacefully as one of many communities.
Distinct identity: By the time Portuguese arrived, these Christians had been Christian longer than most European nations.
The Portuguese Period: Conflict and Conversion (1498-1663)
Colonial Christianity begins:
Vasco da Gama's Arrival (1498)
Portuguese land in Calicut: Seeking spices and Christians (to ally against Muslims).
Encounter Syrian Christians: Shocked to find ancient Christian community that doesn't recognize Pope or follow Roman rites.
Initial cooperation: Portuguese and Syrian Christians initially allied.
The Goa Inquisition (1560-1812)
Portuguese impose authority: Demanded Syrian Christians submit to Rome and adopt Latin rites.
Synod of Diamper (1599): Infamous council where Portuguese forced Syrian Christians to:
- Accept Papal authority
- Abandon East Syriac liturgy for Latin
- Burn Syriac texts deemed "heretical"
- Accept Portuguese bishops
Resistance: Many Syrian Christians resisted. Led to schisms and divisions lasting centuries.
Coonan Cross Oath (1653): Thousands of Syrian Christians swore never to submit to Portuguese again, splitting community.
Result: Division between Catholic Syrian Christians (accepted Roman authority) and Independent Syrian Christians (rejected it).
Portuguese Church Building
Goa: Center of Portuguese Christianity. Old Goa filled with baroque churches.
Basilica of Bom Jesus: Houses St. Francis Xavier's body. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Se Cathedral: One of Asia's largest churches.
Architecture: Baroque, Gothic, Portuguese styles. Ornate, grand, European-influenced.
Conversion efforts: Some voluntary, some coerced. Goa Inquisition persecuted Hindus, Muslims, and non-Catholic Christians.
The Dutch, French, and British Periods (1600s-1947)
European competition and missionary activity:
Dutch Period (Kerala, 1663-1795)
Replaced Portuguese: Dutch East India Company controlled coastal areas.
Less religiously aggressive: Focused on trade, not forced conversions.
Protestant presence: Dutch Reformed Church established but limited impact.
Pondicherry: French Catholic missions, particularly Jesuits and Capuchins.
Tamil Nadu: Significant Catholic presence in southern regions.
Cultural adaptation: Some missionaries learned local languages, customs.
Notable figure: Robert de Nobili (Italian Jesuit in French territory) adopted Brahmin lifestyle to reach high-caste Hindus.
British Period (1757-1947)
Protestant missions flourish: British colonial rule enabled massive expansion of Protestant missionary activity.
Major missionary societies:
- London Missionary Society
- Church Missionary Society
- Baptist Missionary Society
- Methodist missions
Key regions:
- Northeast India: Massive conversions among tribal communities (Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya)
- Punjab: Significant Dalit conversions
- Tamil Nadu: Protestant missions alongside Catholic presence
- Kerala: Adding to existing Christian population
Social reform involvement: Missionaries ran schools, hospitals, fought caste discrimination, opposed sati and child marriage.
Controversial legacy: Education and healthcare improved many lives, but also cultural imperialism, association with colonial power, and sometimes forced/incentivized conversions.
Mixed heritage: British-Indian families formed distinct community.
Church affiliation: Primarily Anglican/Church of North India.
Cultural identity: English-speaking, Western-influenced, Christian.
Post-independence: Many emigrated, but community persists.
Major Church Traditions in India Today
Indian Christian denominations:
1. Syrian Christian Churches (Kerala)
Ancient traditions continuing today, though divided by history:
Syro-Malabar Catholic Church:
- In communion with Rome but maintains East Syriac liturgy
- Largest Syrian Christian body (~5 million)
- Result of Portuguese forcing submission while allowing some traditional practices
Syro-Malankara Catholic Church:
- Catholic, uses West Syriac liturgy
- Formed from Orthodox Christians reuniting with Rome
Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church:
- Oriental Orthodox (like Coptic, Armenian, Ethiopian churches)
- Autocephalous (self-governing)
- Maintains ancient liturgy and traditions
Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church:
- Oriental Orthodox, under Patriarch of Antioch
- Split from Malankara Orthodox over administrative authority
Mar Thoma Syrian Church:
- Reformed Oriental Orthodox
- Maintains Syrian liturgy but influenced by Anglican reform movements
- More Protestant theology with Orthodox liturgy
Church of the East descendants:
- Chaldean Syrian Church (Catholic)
- Assyrian Church of the East (independent)
Largest Christian denomination in India (~20 million, majority Christian population):
Latin Catholics: Follow Roman rite, largely in Goa, Mumbai, Kerala coast, Tamil Nadu.
Influence: Portuguese and French colonial legacy.
Notable churches:
- Basilica of Bom Jesus (Goa)
- Se Cathedral (Goa)
- Velankanni Basilica (Tamil Nadu) - major pilgrimage site
- St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica (Chennai)
Social involvement: Extensive network of schools, colleges, hospitals, and charitable institutions.
Diverse denominations from British missionary activity:
Church of South India (CSI):
- Formed 1947 from Anglican, Methodist, Congregationalist, Presbyterian unions
- Largest Protestant church (~4 million)
- Indigenous Indian leadership
Church of North India (CNI):
- Similar union in northern India
- Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc.
Baptists:
- Strong presence in Northeast India
- Nagaland is 90%+ Christian, largely Baptist
Pentecostals:
- Fastest-growing Christian group in India
- Charismatic worship, speaking in tongues, faith healing
- Multiple indigenous Pentecostal movements
Seventh-day Adventists, Lutherans, Methodists: Each maintaining distinct identities.
4. Tribal Christianity (Northeast India)
Dramatic conversions in 19th-20th centuries:
Nagaland: 90% Christian (Baptist majority)
Why Christianity appealed:
- Offered alternative to Hindu caste system (tribal people often marginalized)
- Provided education and literacy
- Missionaries respected tribal identity more than Hindu majority
- Christianity became part of tribal ethnic identity
Current status: Strong Christian identity integral to tribal ethnic nationalism.
Notable churches in India:
Se Cathedral (Goa): Portuguese Gothic-Manueline style, one of Asia's largest.
Basilica of Bom Jesus (Goa): Baroque architecture, houses St. Francis Xavier's remains.
St. Paul's Cathedral (Kolkata): Gothic Revival, modeled on Canterbury Cathedral.
St. Thomas Cathedral (Mumbai): British colonial era, Neo-Gothic.
All Saints Cathedral (Prayagraj): Designed by British architect William Emerson.
Valiyapally (Kottayam): 1550, Syrian Christian architecture.
Palayoor Church (Thrissur): Claims to be one of seven churches founded by St. Thomas.
Santa Cruz Basilica (Kochi): Originally Portuguese 1505, rebuilt 1905.
Vallarpadam Basilica (Kochi): Gothic style, rebuilt 20th century.
Vailankanni Basilica (Tamil Nadu): Modern expansion of colonial-era church, massive pilgrimage site.
Church of Sacred Heart (Pondicherry): Gothic architecture, French colonial influence.
Portuguese Baroque: Ornate, gilded interiors, European influence.
British Gothic Revival: Pointed arches, flying buttresses, European medieval inspiration.
Indigenous adaptations: Some churches incorporate Indian architectural elements, but less common than European styles.
Indian Christianity's Unique Characteristics
Caste in Christian Communities
Uncomfortable reality: Caste persists in Indian Christianity despite theological opposition.
Separate churches: High-caste and Dalit Christians sometimes worship separately.
Marriage practices: Caste endogamy (marrying within caste) common.
Cemetery segregation: Historically (and sometimes still) separate burial grounds.
Controversy: Christian theology opposes caste, but social reality persists.
Syncretism and Inculturation
Cultural practices: Christian weddings may include elements of Hindu customs (haldi, mehendi).
Architecture: Some churches incorporate Indian aesthetic elements.
Music: Christian bhajans and kirtans in Indian classical styles.
Language: Prayers and liturgy in local languages (Malayalam, Tamil, etc.).
Food: Christian communities maintain regional cuisines and vegetarian/non-vegetarian practices common to their areas.
Significant portion: Many Christians are from historically oppressed castes (Dalits/Scheduled Castes).
Motivation for conversion: Escape caste oppression (though legal SC status lost upon conversion).
Dalit theology: Unique Indian liberation theology addressing caste and social justice.
Political activism: Christian Dalits advocate for SC status and caste equality within church.
Relationship with Hindu Majority
Peaceful coexistence mostly: Christians generally live peacefully with Hindu majority.
Periodic tensions:
- Anti-conversion laws in some states
- Occasional violence (Kandhamal riots 2008, attacks on churches)
- Accusations of forced conversions (mostly unfounded)
Political minority: Christians politically active but small percentage limits influence.
Social contribution: Christian institutions (schools, hospitals) widely respected.
Current Demographics and Distribution
Where Indian Christians live:
31 million Christians (2011 census, ~2.3% of population)
Likely undercount: Actual number possibly higher.
Kerala: ~26% Christian (6 million+) - highest concentration
Goa: ~25% Christian (Catholic majority)
Northeast states: Nagaland (90%), Mizoram (87%), Meghalaya (75%)
Tamil Nadu: ~6% Christian (4 million+)
Andhra Pradesh/Telangana: Significant minority
Punjab: Small but notable Dalit Christian community
Other states: Small minorities, often urban-centered
Urban concentration: Significant Christian populations in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore.
Rural communities: Strong in Kerala, Northeast, parts of Tamil Nadu.
Challenges and Controversies
Indian Christianity today:
Several states have laws restricting religious conversion.
Stated purpose: Prevent forced or fraudulent conversions.
Christian concern: Laws used to harass legitimate conversions and restrict missionary activity.
Debate: Freedom of religion vs. preventing exploitation.
Incidents: Church attacks, priest assaults, restrictions on worship.
Scale: Disputed. Some claim widespread persecution, others say isolated incidents exaggerated.
International attention: Western organizations monitor religious freedom in India.
Government response: Varies by state and political leadership.
Within church: Persists despite theological opposition.
Legal issue: Christian Dalits denied Scheduled Caste benefits available to Hindu/Sikh/Buddhist Dalits.
Activism: Efforts to address both inter-church caste discrimination and legal inequality.
Historical splits: Portuguese-era schisms still affect Syrian Christians.
Theological differences: Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Pentecostal divisions.
Property disputes: Churches fight over historical properties and authority.
Unity efforts: Some ecumenical cooperation, but divisions persist.
The Bottom Line
The history of churches in India spans two millennia—from St. Thomas's legendary arrival in 52 AD, through centuries of indigenous Syrian Christian tradition, Portuguese colonial intervention, British missionary expansion, to today's diverse Christian landscape.
Ancient heritage: Christianity in India predates European Christianity by centuries. Kerala's Syrian Christians maintained their faith continuously since ancient times.
Colonial impact: Portuguese and British periods dramatically expanded Christianity but also created divisions, cultural tensions, and associations with colonialism.
Diversity today: Catholic (majority), Orthodox, Protestant, Pentecostal, with distinct regional, ethnic, and social class characteristics.
Unique challenges: Navigating caste within Christianity, minority status in Hindu-majority nation, anti-conversion laws, occasional violence.
Contributions: Extensive education and healthcare networks, social reform involvement, cultural diversity.
Indian identity: Despite foreign origins, Christianity has become indigenously Indian in many expressions—Malayalam hymns, Tamil liturgy, tribal Christian cultures, Dalit liberation theology.
Understanding Indian Christianity means recognizing:
It's not just a colonial import (though colonialism shaped it).
It's not monolithic (tremendous diversity exists).
It's not separate from Indian culture (deeply integrated despite being minority).
It's ancient, complex, and continuing to evolve.
Two thousand years and counting.
That's a history worth knowing.
Whether you're Christian, Hindu, or neither, India's Christian heritage is part of India's broader story.
And it started before most of Europe ever heard of Jesus.
That's worth remembering.