Volume 13: Christianity in South Asia (India & Pakistan)
From the Apostle Thomas to the Modern Church in the Subcontinent
Christianity in South Asia (India & Pakistan) chronicles two millennia of gospel witness in the subcontinent, beginning with the Apostle Thomas landing on the Malabar Coast in 52 AD. It documents missionary pioneers, the mass movements in Punjab, and the enduring heritage of Masihi Geet.
A thorough historical narrative tracing Christian presence in the Indian subcontinent from St. Thomas in 52 AD, through the Sialkot revivals, partition, and the rich heritage of Masihi Geet.
Key facts
- Christian tradition and early patristic records affirm that the Apostle Thomas reached Kerala, India, in 52 AD, establishing seven churches.
- William Carey arrived in Bengal in 1793, translating the Bible into dozens of Indian languages and helping abolish the practice of sati.
- The 1908 Sialkot Revival birthed the widespread sung tradition of the Punjabi Zaboor (metrical psalms set to native ragas).
- The Christian community in Pakistan and India maintains courageous faith, building foundational educational and healthcare institutions.
Frequently asked questions
Did the Apostle Thomas really minister in India?
Widespread archaeological evidence, ancient Syrian trade routes, and unanimous patristic testimony support St. Thomas establishing the Mar Thoma church in Kerala before his martyrdom near Chennai.
What is the story behind the Punjabi Zaboor?
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Imam-ud-Din Shahbaz and missionary colleagues translated the 150 Psalms into metrical Punjabi poetry set to indigenous classical melodies.
How did Christianity grow in the Punjab region?
Mass movements in the late 1800s among marginalized communities led to whole villages embracing Christ, finding dignity, literacy, and spiritual liberation in the Gospel.
What is Masihi Geet?
Masihi Geet refers to the vibrant body of indigenous Christian devotional songs composed in Urdu, Punjabi, and regional languages, expressing heartfelt worship in the South Asian Church.