Christianity is said to have arrived in India in the 1st century AD, with the arrival of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He is believed to have established Christian communities on the Malabar Coast, particularly in the modern-day state of Kerala.
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As an expert in the subject, I am pleased to provide you with a detailed answer to the question of when Christianity started in India. Based on my practical knowledge and research, I can confidently state that Christianity is said to have arrived in India in the 1st century AD, with the arrival of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He is believed to have established Christian communities on the Malabar Coast, particularly in the modern-day state of Kerala.
Saint Thomas, also known as ‘Doubting Thomas’, is famously associated with the spread of Christianity in India. According to tradition, he arrived in India in 52 AD and preached the teachings of Jesus to the local population. His arrival in India is significant as it marks one of the earliest instances of Christianity’s presence outside its place of origin.
Interesting facts about the early origins of Christianity in India:
- Saint Thomas is believed to have arrived in India through the ancient port of Muziris (present-day Kodungalloor) on the Malabar Coast.
- He traveled and preached extensively, establishing Christian communities primarily among the Jewish settlements in Kerala.
- The community he founded came to be known as the Saint Thomas Christians or the Malankara Nasrani community.
- The Saint Thomas Christians developed their own unique liturgy combining elements of the Eastern and Western Christian traditions.
- They maintained close relations with the Church of the East and later came into contact with Roman Catholicism through Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century.
A quote from Dr. Leslie Brown, an eminent scholar on the history of Christianity in India, adds further insight to the topic:
“India is unique among the countries of the world in that the first Christian community of the Western World was allegedly established there in the 1st century AD.”
To present the information in a concise and organized manner, I have included a table below:
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrival of Saint Thomas | Tradition states he arrived in India in 52 AD |
| Location of Christian communities | Primarily established on the Malabar Coast, Kerala |
| Community Name | Saint Thomas Christians or the Malankara Nasrani |
| Unique Liturgy | Combination of Eastern and Western Christian traditions |
| Relations with Church of the East | Maintained close ties with the Church of the East |
| Influence of Roman Catholicism | Came into contact through Portuguese missionaries |
In conclusion, the arrival of Saint Thomas in India during the 1st century AD marks the beginnings of Christianity in the country. The Saint Thomas Christians, who trace their heritage to his missionary work, have played a significant role in the history of Christianity in India. The impact of this early presence continues to shape the religious and cultural landscape of the region today.
You might discover the answer to “When did Christianity started in India?” in this video
The video explores the arrival of Christianity in India and the story of St. Thomas, one of Jesus’ apostles who spread the message of Christ in the country. St. Thomas established the first churches in Kerala, and the Thomas Christians, who accepted Christ, continue to practice their faith today. St. Thomas later preached in present-day Chennai but was eventually killed. The memory of St. Thomas was forgotten until the Portuguese discovered his tomb and built a church over it, which was later rebuilt by the British, becoming the Santhome Basilica. Chennai is now home to one of only three churches in the world built over the remains of an apostle.
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The written records of the Saint Thomas Christians state that Christianity was introduced in the Indian subcontinent by Thomas the Apostle, who sailed to the Malabar region in the present-day Kerala state in 52 AD.
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Beside above, When did Christianity get to India? 52 CE
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.
Which religion came to India first?
Hinduism (founded around the 15th – 5th century BCE)
The first and foremost of these is a belief in the Vedas – four texts compiled between the 15th and 5th centuries BCE on the Indian subcontinent, and the faith’s oldest scriptures – which make Hinduism without doubt the oldest religion in existence.
When did Catholicism come to India? In reply to that: Christianity reached India in AD 52 when Thomas the Apostle reached Muziris in Malabar Coast presently called the state of Kerala. He preached Christianity in Eastern and Western coasts of India.
In this manner, When did Christianity originally start?
The answer is: Early Christianity (c. 31/33–324) Early Christianity is generally reckoned by church historians to begin with the ministry of Jesus ( c. 27–30) and end with the First Council of Nicaea (325).
In this way, When did Christianity come to India? As an answer to this: St Thomas, one of the apostles of Jesus travelled to India as early as 52 CE making India among the earliest places in the world where Christianity spread. This story explores his life and the beginnings of Christianity in India. When did Christianity reach India? And did you ever wonder who brought it here first? The answers may surprise you.
Beside this, Are Indian Christians Catholic? There is no clear majority denomination among Indian Christians. While many Indian Christians identify as Catholic (37%), a variety of other denominations are present in India. For example, 13% of Indian Christians are Baptists, 7% identify with the Church of North India and another 7% identify with the Church of South India.
Consequently, What are the key findings about Christians in India? Here are eight key findings about Christians in India, according to a recent Pew Research Center report. Among Indians, 0.4% of adults are Hindu converts to Christianity. Conversion is a contentious issue in India, and nine states have enacted laws against proselytism as of early 2021.
Is there a Christian expansion in India?
The reply will be: With the rise of Pentecostalism, a fourth great wave of Christian expansion in India has occurred. Starting with movements that began a century ago, there are now ten to fifteen times more missionaries than ever before, virtually all of them Indian.
Correspondingly, When did Christianity come to India?
The reply will be: St Thomas, one of the apostles of Jesus travelled to India as early as 52 CE making India among the earliest places in the world where Christianity spread. This story explores his life and the beginnings of Christianity in India. When did Christianity reach India? And did you ever wonder who brought it here first? The answers may surprise you.
Are Indian Christians Catholic? Answer will be: There is no clear majority denomination among Indian Christians. While many Indian Christians identify as Catholic (37%), a variety of other denominations are present in India. For example, 13% of Indian Christians are Baptists, 7% identify with the Church of North India and another 7% identify with the Church of South India.
What are the key findings about Christians in India? As an answer to this: Here are eight key findings about Christians in India, according to a recent Pew Research Center report. Among Indians, 0.4% of adults are Hindu converts to Christianity. Conversion is a contentious issue in India, and nine states have enacted laws against proselytism as of early 2021.
Is there a Christian expansion in India?
As a response to this: With the rise of Pentecostalism, a fourth great wave of Christian expansion in India has occurred. Starting with movements that began a century ago, there are now ten to fifteen times more missionaries than ever before, virtually all of them Indian.