There are 30 million Christians in India, how did it evolve amidst the dominant and pre-existing religions?  

Christianity with 30 million followers is the third-largest religion in India. Historians state Apostle Thomas introduced the religion in 52 AD, while visiting Muziris in Kerala. He established a Church that ran parallel with the Hindu belief and customs. The divinity of Jesus Christ and Holy Communion was communal with reincarnation, sharing of Prasad and karma. 

History of Christianity in India

Christianity came to India about the same time as it originated in Israel, i.e. 2000 years ago. It spread erstwhile in India than other parts on the globe. Apostle Thomas arrived in Kerala, a prominent city of South-India, and evangelized and established Seven Churches in Kodungalloor. His converts were called Syrian Christians. Later in 16th century, when Portuguese arrived in Kerala they added a western orientation to the religion. They eliminated the Indian method of worship and introduced the Latin way - Roman Catholicism. Subsequently, when British set foot on the Indian soil they introduced the Anglican Church that formed the base of North and South Indian Churches.

However, there were strong protests from staunch Indian society. Brahmanbandhab Upadhyay a freedom fighter and an ardent Brahmin in the 19th century commented that the Christian faith was "too mixed up with beef and pork, spoon and fork, too tightly pantalooned and petticoated to manifest its universality".  

Despite rebellions, Christianity flourished across India and today the epicentres of Christianity include Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Bombay, Manipur and Mizoram. The Mizoram choir is renowned for its melodious singing and their method of praise and worship.

Like other parts of world, Christianity broadly classified as Catholic and Protestants, with several denominations under them - Syrian Church, Armenian Church, Anglican Church, Pentecost Church, Independent Church and other evangelical groups.

Did Jesus Visit India

There is no conclusive proof that Jesus visited India, yet two separate theories on the account of Jesus travelling in India, exists.

The first theory attributed in 1894 by Nicolas Notovitch, a Russian author in his published book La vie Inconnue du Jesus Christ (The Unknown life of Jesus Christ). He believed that Jesus between the ages of twelve and thirty travelled and studied in India.

The second theory brought forward in 1899 by Mirza Gulam Ahmed, a Kashmiri author in his published book Masih Hindustan Mein (Jesus in India). He believed that Jesus after his apparent death and resurrection, voyaged to Kashmir to teach the gospel, and stayed there forever.

Finding no historical reverence to these theories, these accounts treated as myths. Even though the origins of Christianity in India remains blurred, yet followers believe the genesis is as old as 2000 years.

Art, Architecture and Culture

Altars, pulpits, crosses, statues, bells and belfries form a prominent part of the Sacred Indian Christian art. Church architecture has been deeply influenced by the presence of foreign influxes namely Portuguese, Dutch, French and the English.

The culture of Indian Christians varies across Indian terrain. Mostly it is a blend of Indian and European cultures, yet heavily depends on prevailing local traditions and customs. For instance, Christians in Goa have adopted the Portuguese culture, described as anglicized Indo-Latin culture. Parts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh share the Hindu traditions in respect to dress and cuisine. The Hindu custom of wearing mangalsutra and bindis amongst married women is prominent in native Christians.