Compiled by Joe Fernandez
There were over nine million
Christians in Kerala in 2001. They consisted of Orthodox Syrian
Christians 2,511, 833; Syrian Orthodox (Jacobite) 1,285,000;
Syro-Malabar Catholics 3, 494, 223; Marthomite 700,000; Syro-Malankara
Catholics 344, 342; Church of South India and others 1, 000, 000.
Christians mostly converted Jews and locals known together as
Nazranis were the only religion in Kerala till the Buddhist, Nambudiris
(Brahmins), and Arab Muslims landed much later. This is based on the
historical evidences available in Kerala from Temples, Mosques,
Buddhist caves, Copper plate Cheppeds, Crosses with Pahlavi writings
available with the Christians etc. Their religious practices, names,
customs and costumes are unique and are very much similar to that of the
Jews and Nambudiris.