5 Points on the Arrival of Christianity in IndiaIntroduction by St. Thomas - Christianity is believed to have arrived in India around 52 AD through St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, who traveled to the Malabar Coast (present-day Kerala).Establishment of Early Churches - St. Thomas is said to have established several Christian communities and churches in Kerala, laying the foundation for the ancient Indian Christian tradition known as the Saint Thomas Christians or Nasranis.Trade Links Facilitated Spread - The arrival of Christianity was supported by active trade between India and the Roman Empire, which helped spread Christian ideas and culture along the western coast.Growth under Local Rulers - Early Christian communities often received patronage from local rulers, which helped them grow and integrate into the social fabric of India.Later European Influence - In the 15th and 16th centuries, European missionaries, especially the Portuguese, arrived in India and further expanded Christianity, building churches and spreading Christian education and culture.