Explanations:The history of Christianity in India is deeply intertwined with the figure of St. Thomas the Apostle, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. According to tradition, St. Thomas arrived in India in 52 AD, establishing several churches along the Malabar Coast, which is now part of the state of Kerala. The St. Thomas Church in Palayoor, Kerala, is considered the oldest church in India, making it the first church established in the country.
The significance of St. Thomas's arrival in India is not only religious but also historical. He is believed to have preached the Gospel to the local people, including the Jewish community that had settled in the region. The establishment of the St. Thomas Church in Palayoor marks the beginning of Christianity in India, and it has been a site of pilgrimage and veneration for centuries.
Other significant churches in India, such as the Velankanni Church in Tamil Nadu, the Bom Jesus Basilica in Goa, and the Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi, Kerala, are important in their own right but were established much later. The Velankanni Church, for example, is a major Catholic pilgrimage site, but it was built in the 16th century. The Bom Jesus Basilica in Goa, known for housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, was also constructed in the 16th century. Similarly, the Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi, which is one of the oldest European churches in India, was built in the 16th century as well.
Understanding the historical context of the first church in India is crucial for comprehending the spread of Christianity in the subcontinent. The St. Thomas Church in Palayoor stands as a testament to the early Christian presence in India and its enduring legacy. It is important to note that while other churches in India are significant, they do not hold the distinction of being the first church established in the country.