Christianity in Delhi


Christianity is a minority religion in Delhi, the National Capital Territory of India. A diocese of the Church of North India is established in Delhi, as well as the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Delhi. Other major churches include the Central Baptist Church, St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral Hauz Khas, and the head office of the Northern Region of the Indian Pentecostal Church of God. A Christian Revival Church is also located in New Delhi. The Syro-Malabar Diocese of Faridabad also has presence in Delhi.
YearNumberPercentage
2001130,3190.94
2011146,0930.87

History

Mughal

Christianity in Delhi dates back to the Mughal emperor Akbar's era. Emperor Akbar was known for his secular theology. A Jesuit priest was invited by Akbar from Goa in 1579 in order that Akbar might receive knowledge about Christianity.
Sir Thomas Roe, King James I's ambassador to India during Jahangir's reign, tells the story that two princes converted to Christianity only to enable Jahangir to demand to Portuguese women for himself. This ploy was unsuccessful. During the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb there was a decline in Christianity. In 1723 Father Desideri founded the city church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church was destroyed by Nadir Shah, who invaded Delhi in 1739. Jesuit priests managed to save their lives by hiding in a tumbledown house.

British

Christianity was introduced to Delhi for the second time by the British. British soldiers made numerous churches for their own worship. The Church of England sent many missionaries to India to propagate the Gospel among people who were unaware of Christianity. Numerous people were converted to Christianity by their efforts. Many among the converts worked for the British government. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857 several sepoys who had stayed loyal to the Company were removed by the mutineers and killed, either because of their loyalty or because they had become Christian. After these events, Christianity declined in Delhi once more.

List of Churches in Delhi