Christianity came to India long before it came to Europe and the Western world, and India's spiritual landscape, that had always hosted diverse faiths, quickly adopted the religion as its own. Some of the oldest churches in the world are part of our country's rich heritage of shrines. A look at 22 historic Indian churches...
Palayur is said to be the site of the very first church St Thomas founded, shortly after pulling up on Indian shores in 52 AD. Between 1600 and 1607, Jesuit missionary Giacomo Fenicio oversaw its reconstruction, blending indigenous architectural styles with European influences, symbolising the confluence of cultures.
The original Malankara Church at Devalokam, near Kottayam in Kerala, was likely built around 52 AD when Apostle Thomas arrived in India via Cranganore (Kodungallur). The Catholicate Palace and chapel was redone in 1951.
Also established by St Thomas, one of 12 Apostles, around 52 AD, the Paravur church, rebuilt four times, is one of the seven churches he founded in Kerala. A gathering place of the Syro-Malabar Catholic community, it reflects the rich liturgical and cultural traditions of early Indian Christianity.
Located on a hillock above the city, St Thomas Mount National Shrine, Mylapore, marks the site of St Thomas’ martyrdom -- he was killed by a spear in 72 AD. There was a small shrine over St Thomas' tomb which the Portuguese rebuilt into a grand church in 1523 and it has since been a pilgrimage site, while offering panoramic views of the city.
Constructed in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, the Fort Kochi church is one of the still-standing oldest European church in India. It holds historical significance as the original burial site of explorer Vasco da Gama before his remains were moved to Lisbon. Taken over by the Dutch in 1663, it becamea Protestant government church. Another Dutch church came up at Monroe island, Kollam in 1878.
Built between 1543 and 1547, perched atop Monte Santo hill, this austere-looking chapel is one of Goa's oldest churches.
The Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia, came up between 1562 and 1631. Built by the Portuguese, to salute General Afonso de Albuquerque's victory over the army of Ismail Adil Shah that lead to the capture of Goa, it boasts late Portuguese Gothic or Manueline architectural style and is home to Goa's largest Golden Bell.
Established in 1547 by Portuguese Franciscans, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church in Borivali, north Mumbai is probably one of the city’s first church, along with St Michael's Church. It underwent major renovations in 1960, preserving its historical essence while accommodating its growing Catholic congregation.
Also called Mahim Church, San Miguel convent first came up at this spot on Mahim island in 1534 but was rebuilt in 1973. In the 18th century, because of historical turmoil the picture of Mother Mary from Our Lady of Mount Bandra church (a Mumbai church which dates from some time in the 16th century too) was brought for safekeeping to the Mahim Church and stayed there for 20 years.
At Bandra, north Mumbai, the Portuguese Jesuits erected this church in 1575. The church has stood the test of time, surviving invasions and natural calamities, and remains a vibrant religious sanctum.
The Portuguese ventured to Bengal in the 16th century in Emperor Akbar's reign seeking permission to set up a port and town at Bandel on the Hooghly and they subsequently set up a Catholic church there in 1599. Burnt down by the Mughals in 1632, it was rebuilt in 1660 with stones -- namely the keystone -- from the first church incorporated.
A shrine named for infant Jesus, constructed between 1594-1605, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church contains Jesuit co-founder St Francis Xavier's mortal remains. Its Baroque architecture and impressive richly-gilded altars exemplify the grandeur of Portuguese ecclesiastical structures in India.
The Danes first landed off the coast of Tamil Nadu at a place they called Tranquebar. Like all European conquerors of the day, a flag was planted and in 1620 Admiral Ove Gjedde started building Fort Dansborg, the second largest Danish fort in the world, with a chapel that was the earliest place of worship for Danish settlers. Later two churches came up too.
The Armenians, who lost their homeland to the Ottomans & Safavids becoming nationless people, reached in India in Emperor Akbar's day. They were given refuge and settled in various parts, setting up their own denomination churches for their community. One such church, the oldest in the city, was established in 1688 in Calcutta and rebuilt in 1724.
The Armenians founded an Armenian Apostolic Orthodox denomination church in 1712 in Chennai, which was reconstructed in 1772, another symbol of the Armenian diaspora in India. A sister church came up in Mumbai in 1796.
Established in 1718 by German missionary Bartholomäus Ziegenbalg, it is one of the earliest Protestant churches in India. It played a crucial role in translating the Bible into Tamil, fostering education and religious reform.
Mumbai’s first Anglican church had its foundation stone laid in the centre of the British Bombay Presidency settlement in 1676 but was completed & opened Christmas Day 1718. It had a special role during the days of British rule, housing many memorials to British officers and civilians. King George V and Queen Mary worshipped here in 1911 after arriving in Bombay at the Gateway.
An early French-established church, this pretty Puducherry Catholic place of worship was built somewhere between 1642 and 1675, although other sources state it was as late as 1745, getting its name from Apostle St Andrew followed by the Capuchins. It showcases classic European architectural elements, reflecting the blend of French and Indian cultures.
The gorgeous, serene Tamil Nadu basilica, called the Lourdes of the East, traces its origins to the 16th century, existing as a thatched-roof chapel, but became a proper church in only 1771. Sightings of of Marian (Mother Mary) apparitions and legends of miraculous healings, lead to its beginnings as a revered pilgrimage site. It attracts millions of devotees annually.
The first church of the Bettiah Christians in Bihar was built in 1751. Missionaries of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin built a hospice in Patna. Their local head Joseph Bernini became friendly with Maharaja Dhurup Singh of Bettiah, near the Nepal border. When he treated the maharani successfully he was invited to set up a mission in Bettiah and later a church, the consecration of which the maharaja attended.
Consecrated in 1791, the cathedral is a prominent symbol of the city’s rich Catholic heritage. Constructed by French missionaries, the cathedral exhibits a fusion of Portuguese and French architectural styles. Serving as the mother church of the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore, it has been a focal point for religious ceremonies and community gatherings for over two centuries.
Another of Bombay's oldest churches, situated near bustling Kalbadevi in south Mumbai, it opened its doors in 1794, and has been an enduring spiritual centre for the local Catholic populace. Originally built by Portuguese settlers, the church underwent significant reconstruction in 1971 to accommodate the growing congregation.