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Approximately 2.4% of the Indian population identify themselves as Christians. As the number of followers grows, it is only natural to question how this religion came to India. The Syrian Christians of Kerala have taken great pride for countless centuries in the fact that their church was personally founded by the apostle Thomas. However, does this legend accurately portray the historical reality? Numerous scholars claim that Christianity was brought to the continent by merchants, other evangelists, or Jewish settlers. This study seeks to identify the evidence behind these claims by comparing the existing primary source documents and observable historic trends. This detailed analysis concludes that substantial evidence supports the claim that Thomas was the first to establish Christian communities on the continent in the first century CE with the purpose of evangelization.

We have reviewed various Journals, books and other Study material as part of the Literature Review. We had gone through several literatures and tried to understand the recent changes or development in the media.

Social Structure:-

Social structure is one of the central part of the society, but it has not been employed Consistently or unambiguously. The factors are, Social structure, in society, the distinctive, stable arrangement of institutions whereby human beings in a society interact and live together. Social structure is often treated together with the concept of social change, which deals with the forces that change the social structure and the organization of the society.

Although it is generally agreed that the term social structure refers to regularities in social life, its application is inconsistent. For example, the term is sometimes wrongly applied when other concepts such as custom, tradition, role, or norm would be more accurate.

The major components of social structure include culture, social class, social status, roles, groups, and social institutions. Social structure guides people’s behaviors. A person’s location in the social structure represents  his or her social class, social status, the roles he or she plays, and the culture, groups, and social institutions to which he or she belongs underlies his or her perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. People develop these perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors from their place in the social structure, and they act accordingly. All of the components of social structure work together to maintain social order by limiting, guiding, and organizing human behavior. 

One of the first steps in sociology, as in any chance it is a systematic classification and the classification of inclusive societies, or social gesture.

If we look more closely at the  classification we shall find that they resemble each other in important ways .The contrast is a type of society in which the group dominates the individuals and determines for him as an unalterable situation, with a type of society in which the individual is properly speaking to each other . But the essential similarity of the classification is unmistakable.

What is Christianity?

Christianity is a religion based on Christ. The attained one is Jesus who leads the way to the truth of life.

Christianity is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. It is the world’s largest and most widespread religion. The Bible teaches that Jesus, the son of god, came into this world as a human to restore the broken relationship with their creator, because we are sinners by nature and by our own deed.

He is the most loving father that he sent his only son to accomplish that restoration [John 3:16]

Christianity is a spiritual belief that is open to all regardless of age, religion, gender, caste, colour, creed or economic status[John 3:16]

It is a faith relationship with God, deals with the issue of sin. One is delivered from sin by receiving God's grace through Christ.

Other faiths believe that salvation is based on good deeds or keeping certain laws. But the Bible clearly says that “He saved us, not on the basis of our deeds which we have done in unconsciousness but because of his mercy”.

The believe that Jesus Christ is still alive today. He died on the cross for the degradefull sins we have committed and resurrected as a great saviour of mankind.

Christian Social Structure:-

Christianity is India's third-largest religion with about 26 million adherents, making up 2.3 percent of the population as of the 2011 census.The written records of the Saint Thomas Christians state that Christianity was introduced in the Indian subcontinent by Thomas the Apostle, who sailed to the Malabar region in  Kerala state in 52 AD.

Christian social structure in India is diverse and encompasses a wide range of denominations, traditions, and cultural practices. India. The Christian community in India is not homogenous and varies based on factors such as region, language, and historical influences.

India has a rich variety of Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and various independent churches. Each denomination may have its own social structure, practices, and hierarchies.

Within Christian communities, there is a distinct clergy system consisting of ordained ministers, priests, pastors, bishops, and archbishops. These religious leaders hold different positions of authority and responsibility within their respective denominations.

India, a country known for its cultural and religious diversity, is home to a vibrant Christian community that contributes to the social fabric of the nation. The Christian social structure in India is multifaceted, reflecting the diverse denominations, regional variations, and cultural influences. In this article, we delve into the intricate tapestry of the Christian social structure in India, highlighting its key aspects and shedding light on the rich heritage of Indian Christians.

Impact of Christianity on Indian society:-

Christianity is all about the service taught by Jesus to love your neighbours as yourself.

Mother Teresa is a big idol who teaches about helping others who are less fortunate. The way Jesus fed hundreds of mouth and healing the sick saving their souls. And today in the past Christian organisation are engaged in providing homes to the homeless, building orphanages, hospitals, schools to give a better life aspect to people and uplift the social status. Although Christianity is a religion but Christians have done great in the field of education, healthcare, social justice, etc.

Religious Influence and Presence: The Catholic Church has a strong presence in India and is one of the largest Christian denominations in the country. The Catholic community is spread across different regions, with dioceses and archdioceses established in various states. The presence of Catholic churches, cathedrals, and institutions is visible in both urban and rural areas, contributing to the religious landscape of the nation.

Educational Institutions: The Catholic Church in India has made substantial contributions to the education sector. It has established numerous schools, colleges, and universities, offering quality education to people of all backgrounds. These institutions are known for their emphasis on academic excellence, moral values, and holistic development. Catholic educational institutions are often sought after and have played a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of India.

Healthcare Facilities: Catholic organizations have made significant contributions to the healthcare sector in India. Many mission hospitals and healthcare facilities run by the Catholic Church provide medical services to people in remote and underserved areas. These institutions are known for their dedication to compassionate care, particularly towards the marginalized and economically disadvantaged sections of society.

Social Services and Welfare: The Catholic community in India actively engages in various social services and welfare activities. Catholic organizations and charities are involved in initiatives such as orphanages, homes for the elderly, shelters for the homeless, rehabilitation centers, and programs for skill development and empowerment. These initiatives aim to uplift marginalized communities, promote social justice, and address pressing social issues.

Interfaith Dialogue and Harmony: The Catholic Church in India actively promotes interfaith dialogue and harmony. It seeks to build bridges between different religious communities, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation. The Church plays a significant role in promoting interfaith initiatives, organizing interfaith gatherings, and participating in interreligious dialogue to promote peace and harmony in the diverse Indian society.

Advocacy for Social Justice: The Catholic community in India has a strong tradition of advocating for social justice and human rights. The Church actively engages in issues related to poverty alleviation, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and the rights of marginalized communities. It raises awareness, lobbies for policy changes, and supports grassroots initiatives aimed at creating a more just and equitable society.

Spiritual Guidance and Sacraments: Catholic priests and religious leaders provide spiritual guidance, counselling, and sacraments to the Catholic faithful. The Church conducts religious services, including Masses, sacraments such as Baptism, Holy Communion, and Marriage, and other spiritual practices that are integral to the faith of the Catholic community.

The Christian missionaries even have pioneers in education they promoted women education. The first girl school was opened by the missionaries in 1819.It was opened by the missionaries played a major role in the growth of language’s. They attempted to abolish society evils, Sati, female abuse. The Society was convinced that education was the only solution to make the people could be more developed and liberated.

Christianity has helped to lay the foundation for a deeper fraternity and harmonious lives based on love, justice, forgiveness, solidarity.

Christianity has turned the tables in the system of education of the aadivasi and the liberals.

Because the literacy rate in most parts of the subcontinent is commendable.

Majority of the health care institutions are build by the Christian communities for the health sector also supported the education in village areas

The motto of Christian life is to support the people who have lost a lot of things in their life. The gospel is a source of humanisation regardless of the caste, colour creed, gender and status.

Christianity attacked the evils of the caste system and uplifted the victims of the oppression in the caste system and supported them with their whole.

It also encouraged the value of equalities, universalism as opposed to status and hierarchy. In Indian Christianity has been one of the most valued and rendered more of the open liberal, egalitarian, humanistic society.

Christianity had a profound impact in society as a result of the compassionate care of the sick, suffered, helpless, hopeless and the less privileged in the marginalised of the society.

The scripture teaches that a Christian is someone who has heard the good news of salvation through Christ who believes that Jesus is the son of the god who confesses his faith in Christ and who has been baptised into the body of Christ. His behaviour should resemble Christianity following the Christian religion is based on their beliefs, teachings, and the sacrifice of the Christ Christians believe that he is the messiah and the saviour of the world.

All of the Christianity can be summed up in a rhythmic sequence love god, love others, as thought in the name of Christ. The Core Christian value is to not let any hinder thoughts grow in your mind betrayal and selfishness, and do not play with the important aspects of life the money and time.

The value accompanied in Christianity is walking with society in every aspect. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the sinful nature with its passion and desire and practice to grow a fruitful tree that give the frit full of sweet fullness like love, joy, peace, kindness, faith, goodness, patience, gentleness.

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