India’s Historical Ties with Christianity: From the Wise Men to St. Thomas
SINCE THIS IS the Christmas season, it may interest many to learn about India’s ancient connection with Christianity.
The Three Wise Men and Gondophares
The first connection dates back to the birth of Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem. According to tradition, an Indian named Caspar (or Gondophares) was among the three wise men from the East who visited the manger, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the infant Jesus.
Caspar (whose name may be a derivative of Kripa or Krishna, common names in India) is said to have brought myrrh, symbolizing that Jesus was born to die as a savior, taking on the sins of humanity. Myrrh, incidentally, was used in India for anointing dead bodies.
Historians suggest that Gondophares, a ruler of an Indo-Parthian kingdom in the 1st century, is likely the same Caspar mentioned in biblical accounts. His connection to Christianity is deeply intriguing, blending history with faith. The Indo-Parthian empire, which spanned parts of modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan, had active trade and cultural links with the Roman Empire, making such exchanges plausible.
St. Thomas and Early Christianity in India
The second connection of Christianity to India was the arrival of the Apostle of Christ, St. Thomas, in the southern Indian state of Kerala in 52 A.D.
St. Thomas
St. Thomas is believed to have landed at Kodungallur (then known as Muziris), a thriving port on the Malabar Coast. He is credited with establishing seven churches in Kerala and spreading the message of Christianity among the local population. These churches continue to hold historical and spiritual significance for Indian Christians.
The Apostle’s journey wasn’t limited to Kerala; he is also believed to have traveled to the Coromandel Coast, where he eventually attained martyrdom near Chennai (then Madras). The Santhome Church in Chennai, built over his tomb, stands as a testimony to his legacy.
A Eurocentric Perspective on History
Saint Thomas Christian Cross From The 9th Century St George’s Church, Kadamattom, Kerala
The history of Christianity is largely Eurocentric. There is voluminous material on how Christianity spread in Rome and other parts of Europe (and later to America). Much less, however, is known about its arrival in India.
For centuries, the narrative of Christianity in India was overshadowed by European colonization. It was widely believed that the faith came to India only with the Portuguese in the 16th century and later with the English.
However, evidence now firmly establishes that Christianity reached India much earlier, even before it spread to many parts of Europe.
India’s Unique Christian Heritage
Christianity’s early arrival in India reflects the subcontinent’s role as a cultural crossroads. India’s ports, such as Muziris, were bustling centres of trade and cultural exchange. The vibrant spice trade brought traders, travelers, and missionaries from the Roman Empire, the Middle East, and beyond.
Today, Kerala boasts the largest Christian population in India, accounting for 18.4% of the state’s people. The traditions of Indian Christians, such as the Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Churches, offer a unique blend of Eastern Christian liturgy and Indian cultural elements, highlighting the integration of Christianity into the local fabric.
Conclusion: Thus, Christianity is as much an Indian religion as it is a European or American one. India’s ancient connection with Christianity, through figures like Caspar and St. Thomas, underscores the subcontinent’s historical openness to diverse faiths and ideas. These connections remind us of the shared heritage that transcends borders and emphasizes humanity’s universal quest for spiritual truth. 
Also Read:
How Christianity Arose and Spread in the World
Markandey Katju
Justice Markandey Katju is former Judge, Supreme Court of India and former Chairman, Press Council of India.
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