MAJOR CHURCHES OF INDIA — HISTORY, ARCHITECTURE AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

MAJOR CHURCHES OF INDIA — HISTORY, ARCHITECTURE AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

1. Introduction

• India’s churches reflect nearly two millennia of Christian tradition, together with Portuguese, British, French and indigenous architectural influences.
• They function as centres of worship, pilgrimage, education, charity and community service.
• Major churches are also important examples of Gothic, Neo-Gothic, Baroque and Indo-European architecture.

2. San Thome Basilica — Chennai, Tamil Nadu

• San Thome Basilica is a Roman Catholic church traditionally associated with the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle.
• Its origins lie in a Portuguese church established in the 16th century; the present structure was rebuilt in Neo-Gothic style in 1896.
• It is one of the few major Christian shrines traditionally believed to have been built over the tomb of an Apostle. (Incredible India)
• Therefore, it should not simply be described as “India’s oldest church.”

3. Basilica of Bom Jesus — Old Goa

• The Basilica of Bom Jesus, completed and consecrated in 1605, is one of India’s most important Catholic monuments.
• It contains the tomb and mortal remains associated with St. Francis Xavier.
• Together with other Churches and Convents of Goa, it forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• UNESCO highlights its important influence on the spread of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque architecture in Asia. (UNESCO World Heritage Centre)

4. Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount — Mumbai

• Mount Mary Basilica at Bandra is an important Roman Catholic pilgrimage centre dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
• The annual Bandra Fair, associated with the feast of the Nativity of Mary, attracts large numbers of devotees.
• The shrine is an important part of Mumbai’s Christian and multicultural heritage.

5. Sacred Heart Cathedral — New Delhi

• Sacred Heart Cathedral is one of Delhi’s principal Catholic churches.
• It was designed by architect Henry Medd and built around 1930.
• Its marble altar, elegant façade and central location near Connaught Place make it an important architectural landmark. (Delhi Tourism)

6. St. Philomena’s Church — Mysuru, Karnataka