India is the world’s second-most populous country, with over 1.3 billion people. At present, Christianity is the largest non-native religious community in the country, with an estimated 28 million followers or 2.3 percent of the total population. Although Christianity has been present in India since antiquity, today’s form of the religion differs considerably from the Catholic and Protestant versions introduced by the European colonialists in the 16th century. Since then, Christianity has diversified, taking on a uniquely Indian flavor.
Christianity in India is known as “indigenous Christianity” and dates back to the earliest missionary efforts of Saint Thomas the Apostle. St. Thomas is said to have reached India in 52 A.D, almost a century before the first European missionaries arrived. It is estimated that as much as half of India’s current Christian population are descendants of ancient Christians who have maintained their faith since the days of St. Thomas.
India’s indigenous Christians are a diverse group and represent many denominations, including Roman Catholics, Protestants, Malankara, Marthoma, and Syro-Malabar Churches. Today, there are approximately 22 million Catholics in India, most of whom are concentrated in the southern states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Additionally, there are an estimated 3 million Protestants, primarily living in northeastern India and in the large cities of Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
Christianity has been, and continues to be, a vibrant religion in India. A unique feature of Indian Christianity is that it is not a foreign religion, but rather is “rooted in India’s soil and culturally adept to its environment.” Over the years, Indian Christians have created their own rituals, art forms, and music, leading to the development of a vibrant Indian Christian culture. They also speak “Indian” languages, such as Tamil, Hindi, and Malayalam.
in India is often the result of a multi-generational relationship fostered between Indian Christian families and local communities. This relationship is demonstrated in the propagation of Christian-influenced traditions, such as the Indian Christian festivals of Christmas, Easter, and All Saints Day. Indian Christians also practice a kind of “resistance culture,” in which they hold on to and express their faith even in the face of adversity.
In modern India, the Christian community faces discrimination and persecution due to its minority status. Almost 80 percent of the Indian population is Hindu, which is the country’s majority religion. The status of Christians in India is not equal to that of Hindus and other religious groups. They are seen as a burden and their existence is often taken for granted.
Indian Christians stand by their faith despite the persecution they face. The National Indian Christian Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting religious freedom and protecting the rights of Christians in India, works to protect and defend India’s Christian community. This organization has been successful in bringing Christians together to protect their faith and to stand up for their rights in the face of discrimination.
The Impact of Christianity in India
Christianity has had a profound impact on India, contributing to the development of numerous educational and healthcare initiatives. Some of the earliest educational institutions in India were established by Christian missionaries. For example, St. Xavier’s College in Kolkata was founded by missionaries in 1887, and is now one of the largest and most well-respected educational institutions in the country.
Christians have also had an impact on the cultural landscape in India, establishing several charitable and social organizations to help the disadvantaged. The Salvation Army, for instance, opened its first branch in India in 1904 and has since become one of the country’s largest charities. Similarly, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in India in 1950 and has since become one of the most celebrated figures in the country.
Christianity has also had an impact on Indian politics. Christian leaders such as E.M.S. Namboodiripad and K. Karunakaran have been instrumental in formulating policies that have shaped India’s political landscape. Additionally, Indian Christians have held high-ranking positions in both the central and state governments.
In sum, Christianity is an integral part of India’s religious and cultural landscape. Despite the discrimination faced by the Christian minority, Indian Christians have managed to maintain their faith in the face of adversity and have had an immense impact on India’s overall development.
Conversion of Indian Christians to Catholicism
Although Christianity has been in India for centuries, most of its modern followers are converts from other religious traditions. The conversion of Indians to Catholicism began in the 17th century, when a group of Catholic missionaries from Portugal, led by Saint Francis Xavier, arrived in India. Their efforts saw the conversion of thousands of Indians, particularly those in the lower castes.
Today, more Indians are converting to Catholicism, particularly from tribal and rural backgrounds. A notable example is the growth of tribal Catholicism in the northern and northeastern parts of India where many tribal communities have adopted the religion in recent years. Moreover, cases of inter-religious conversion are also rising, as more Hindus are converting to Christianity in search of a better life, better education and health facilities, and social mobility.
Conversion to Christianity remains a controversial issue in the Indian context. On the one hand, the Church has provided social and economic assistance to the poor and marginalized, while on the other hand, some view Christian conversions as a form of forced proselytism. The increasing cases of inter-religious conversion are adding fuel to this debate.
The growth of the Indian Christian population is also leading to greater diversification in the religious and cultural landscape of India. Indian Christian believers bring new traditions and practices to the existing fabric of Indian culture, such as festivals, celebrations, and religious art forms that merge traditional Indian and Christian beliefs. As such, Christianity has become an important part of India’s social and cultural life.
Christian Education and Healthcare in India
Christian educational and healthcare facilities are one of the main ways in which Christianity is actively practiced in India. Christian schools and colleges have been established throughout the country and are some of the most prominent institutions providing education to Indian students. Similarly, Christian healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and dispensaries, which are managed and funded by religious organizations, are a major source of healthcare for India’s poor and disadvantaged.
Christian-run organizations and charities also play an important role in helping India’s poorest and most vulnerable. For example, a large number of organizations work to provide education, food, healthcare, and income-generation opportunities to people from disadvantaged communities. Furthermore, Christian-run charities and organizations are actively involved in providing humanitarian and relief services in the wake of natural disasters.
Christian education and healthcare organizations are also at the forefront of promoting socio-economic development in India. They focus on providing access to quality education and healthcare, as well as providing employment opportunities and vocational training. Many organizations also emphasize the importance of gender equality and women’s rights.
In sum, Christian-run healthcare and educational organizations are a major source of aid and development in India. Despite facing social and political challenges, they persist in their mission to help India’s poor and vulnerable.
Christian Art and Architecture in India
Christian art and architecture is a distinct feature of India’s heritage and culture. Indian Christian architecture is a synthesis of traditional Indian and European styles and features unique elements, such as vibrant colors, ornate carvings, and intricate designs. Similarly, Indian Christian art is characterized by vibrant colors and unique elements, often depicting figures from both traditional and Christian religious stories.
One of the most famous Indian Christian monuments is the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa. This basilica was built in the early 16th century to honor Saint Francis Xavier, who was instrumental in introducing Christianity to India. Moreover, several churches throughout India – including the San Thome Basilica in Chennai, the Se Cathedral in Goa, and the St. Francis Church in Kochi – are notable examples of Indian Christian architecture.
In addition, Indian Christian art can be found in numerous other forms, such as paintings, carvings, and sculptures. The Indian artist Raja Ravi Verma is a well-known example of an Indian painter who blended traditional Indian and Christian themes in his artwork. Additionally, traditional Indian art forms, such as the Tanjore paintings, often depict Christian scenes and symbols.
Overall, Indian Christian art and architecture are a unique blend of traditional Indian and Christian elements. This art is a testament to the long history of Christianity in India and has become an integral part of India’s rich cultural heritage.
Christian Music and Songs in India
Christian music and songs are an integral part of religious life in India. Christian hymns, prayers, and songs are often sung in churches and educational institutions across India, in local languages and in English. These songs are often used to express devotion to God and to celebrate religious festivals.
Indian Christian music often follows traditional Indian styles, such as Carnatic, Jazebi, and Bhajan music. Additionally, it is common to incorporate elements of traditional Indian instruments, such as the tabla, harmonium, and flute, into Christian music. Indian Christian music also often combines traditional Indian and Christian styles, as in the case of Indian Christian art.
Christian music is also an important part of India’s popular culture. It has been used in numerous Bollywood films, as well as in various devotional albums. Popular Christian singers in India include Shubha Mudgal, Sivamani, and K.J. Yesudaas. Additionally, there are a number of popular Christian music labels, such as Faith Music, Mango Music, and Good Music, which release a variety of Christian music albums.
In sum, Christian music and songs are a vibrant and integral part of India’s cultural landscape. From traditional hymns to modern pop songs, Indian Christian music coincides with the long and rich history of Christianity in India. It is an important way of expressing faith and connecting with God.
