Who brought Christianity to south India?
Then, in 1498, the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama sailed to Kerala to open up the first Europe-India sea route. Imagine his surprise when he found Christians. Two years later, Captain Pedro Álvares Cabral followed, bringing eight Franciscan priests, eight chaplains and a chaplain major.
Are there Christians in south India?
CHENNAI: Nearly half of the countrys Christian population lives in south India, shows the Census 2011 data released on Tuesday. The five southern states — Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana — account for 1.28 crore (46%) of Indias 2.78 crore-strong Christian community.
Where did St Thomas Land in Kerala?
Muziris According to traditional accounts of the Saint Thomas Christians of India, the Apostle Thomas landed in Muziris (Cranganore) on the Kerala coast in AD 52 and was martyred in Mylapore, near Madras in AD 72. The port was destroyed in 1341 by a massive flood that realigned the coasts.
When did Christianity come in India?
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.
Which is the first church in the world?
The Dura-Europos church in Syria is the oldest surviving church building in the world, while the archaeological remains of both the Aqaba Church and the Megiddo church have been considered to be the worlds oldest known purpose-built church, erected in the Roman Empires administrative Diocese of the East in the 3rd
Why Christianity is more in Kerala?
However, Kerala has a different story to tell. One of the prime reasons that helped Christianity to cast its influence on the socio-cultural scenario of the state was the foreign trade, to which Keralas long coastline played host from time immemorial.
Which caste is more in Kerala?
Below the Ezhavas are the Scheduled Castes, 20.4 per cent of the Hindu population. The most important caste in this group is the Pulaya (Cheruman), which until 1850 was the caste of agricultural serfs of the Nayars, temple servants, and Brahmins.