Christianity in India dates back to Portugese and British Rule in India. The
Catholic Churches and Cathedrals of that era speak of the grandeur of their
lifestyles and the dedication of the missionaries. Christianity in India is
as old as world Christianity. There are 25 million Christians in India which
is just below 3% of the total population of the Country. Diversity of
Christians is noticeable: Syrian Christians, Knanaya Christians, Goan
Christians, Tamil Christians, Anglo-Indians, Naga Christians, etc are the
main. They differ in language, social customs and economic prosperity.
Christians play a decisive role in the fields of education, social work and
even in politics.
Portuguese came to India and brought with them the Latin cultural heritage,
which one can very well witness in Goa. But the churches of Old Goa are
something one won't be able to forget ever. Enriched with intricate designs
and beautiful interiors these churches tell you the stories of the
Portuguese glory and endless devotion. Christians of Kerala, claims their
origin from Apostle Thomas at the dawn of the Christian Era in 52 AD, as
well as their manifold contributions to Indian and World Christianity in
particular and in general to Humanity at large. Kerala is the cradle of
Christianity in India. In the educational field, the work of the Christians
of Kerala has been noteworthy.
Few famous churches in India include the Church and Convent of St Monica,
the first Convent for nuns in Goa, St. John's Church is the oldest church in
North India. Established in 1819 in Meerut Cantonment, this church was
completed in 1822. Seat up by Chaplin revered Henry Fisher on behalf of the
East India Company, this Church was dedicated to the people by Bishop
Wilson. The church has a seating capacity of 15,000 people. In north-west
India, the Christians of the Bhil tribe go out every night for a week till
Christmas to sing their own carols.
Allahabad's All Saints' Cathedral built in 1870 is said to be the most
beautiful Anglican Cathedral in Asia with its white and red stone exterior
and marble altar. The Santa Cruz Basilica is a historic church that was
built by the Portuguese. The church was elevated to a cathedral by Pope Paul
IV in 1558 AD. In 1795 AD, it fell into the hands of the British when they
took over Cochin and was demolished.
