What is Christianity like in India?
Nearly all Indian Christians (98%) say they believe in God, and Christians in India are more likely than most other religious communities to say they pray daily (77%). Most Indian Christians also attend church weekly (55%), and an overwhelming share give money to a church (89%).
How common is Christianity in India?
2.30%
% 2011
| Religious group | Population (2011) % | Growth (2001-2011) |
|---|---|---|
| Hinduism | 79.80% | 16.8% |
| Islam | 14.23% | 24.6% |
| Christianity | 2.30% | 15.5% |
| Sikhism | 1.72% | 8.4% |
How did Christianity spread in India?
Following the discovery of a sea route to India by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in the 15th century AD, Western Christianity, in the form of Catholicism and Protestantism, was established in the European colonies of Goa, Tranquebar, Bombay, Madras, and Pondicherry.
When did Christianity start in India?
The written records of the Saint Thomas Christians state that Christianity was introduced to the Indian subcontinent by Thomas the Apostle, who sailed to the Malabar region in the present-day Kerala state in 52 AD.
Does Bible talk about India?
India is mentioned in Esther 1:1 and 8:9 as the eastern boundary of the Persian Empire under Ahasuerus (c. fifth century B.C.) and in 1 Maccabees 6:37 in a reference to the Indian mahouts of Antiochus’s war elephants (second century B.C.). Otherwise there are no explicit references to India in the Old Testament.
How has Christianity helped India?
Christian missionary activity in India generally involved the establishment of high-quality schools. Obviously the Christian community’s impact does not end there. Accompanying the schools came printing presses, which were helpful in the dissemination of literature of all kinds.
What is the influence of Christianity on India?
The Portuguese were aware of the spread of Christianity in India at this point in time and wanted to use religion as a useful means of conducting mercantile activities. The local Christians, on the other hand, were more than welcoming towards their Portuguese counterparts. In them, they saw an ally against their common enemy- the Muslims.
When did Christianity first come to India?
When did the first Christians come to India? St. Thomas came to India In AD 52. He landed at the port of Kodungalloor or Muziris on the western coast. The same year he arrived at Niranam in a water vessel.
Did Christianity originate from India?
The answers may surprise you. It is commonly believed that Christianity came to India with St Thomas as early as 52 CE. He is said to have landed in Kerala and the religion took root there. He then walked across to Mylapore in present day Chennai, spoke of a new God in a new land, and left his footprints on the sands of time.
Who brought Christianity in India?
Christianity was perhaps introduced into India by Thomas the Apostle, who visited Muziris in Kerala in 52 CE to proselytize amongst Kerala’s Jewish settlements; however this is widely disputed due to lack of credible historical evidence. It has to be noted that historical evidence is always a problem of Indian history.