Did St. Thomas Really Come to India?
Whether St. Thomas the Apostle actually came to India in the
first century is not something historians can prove with certainty. It’s a
question that depends more on tradition, plausibility, and interpretation than
on hard evidence. Over centuries, what began as oral stories evolved into a
rich cultural and religious tradition. Today, this belief forms the backbone of
identity for the Saint Thomas Christians in Kerala.
Supporters of the tradition point to a strong and consistent
memory within local communities, backed by Church teachings and historical
trade links between the Roman Empire and India. According to early Christian
texts like the Acts of Thomas, Thomas did travel east. These writings
may not be historically exact, but they might reflect a real journey that
became legendary over time.
The common belief among Saint Thomas Christians is that he
landed on the Malabar Coast (present-day Kerala) in 52 CE. Although no direct
historical records confirm this, scholars have outlined a possible path based
on ancient trade routes, regional geography, and early Christian writings such
as the Acts of Thomas.
However, some scholars argue that the term “India” used in
these texts might have referred to a broader region including Persia or Central
Asia—not necessarily the Indian subcontinent. And since there’s no concrete
documentation from that time, historians remain cautious. Critics also suggest
that certain traditions may have been shaped or exaggerated during colonial
times to serve religious or political goals. Churches, relics, and narratives
could have been more than just commemorations—they might have played roles in
cultural power dynamics.
This leads to a key tension: between the weight of tradition
and the demand for historical evidence. Tradition strongly supports the belief
that Thomas was the founder of Indian Christianity. Historians, on the other
hand, point out that firm evidence is lacking.
So, did Thomas really come to India? It depends on how you
approach the question. If you’re open to oral tradition, longstanding community
memory, and the likelihood of travel through known trade networks, then his
visit seems entirely possible—perhaps even likely. But if you’re looking for
solid historical documents as proof, the answer remains uncertain. There’s no
first-hand account or physical evidence placing Thomas in India, only enduring
traditions.
In the end, whether or not Thomas actually sailed to India
may never be proven definitively. Yet his legacy continues to shape religious
belief, historical inquiry, and cultural identity in the region.
South Indian Tradition
Among the Saint Thomas Christians of Kerala, it’s widely
believed that the Apostle arrived in India in 52 CE, entering through the
ancient port of Muziris (near present-day Kodungallur). Here, he is said to
have founded seven churches—collectively known as the Ezharappallikal—and
preached the gospel across the Malabar Coast. He is believed to have died in 72
CE in Mylapore (modern Chennai), where he was martyred and buried. Sites like St.
Thomas Mount and the San Thome Basilica continue to honour these
events.
Historical Echoes
This tradition is supported by early Christian writings. Ephrem
the Syrian claimed that Thomas was martyred in India and his remains were
later moved to Edessa. Early Church fathers like Eusebius of Caesarea, Origen,
and authors of the Didascalia also refer to Thomas preaching in far
eastern regions, including the Parthian Empire—what some interpret as
references to India. The Doctrine of the Apostles and the Acts of
Thomas, both written in the 2nd–3rd centuries, describe his mission in
India, though these are stylized and not strictly historical.
Modern scholars such as George Menachery argue that
even if these texts are partly legendary, they are rooted in historical
truth—supported by continuous community practices, long-standing worship sites,
and trade networks that connected India with the Roman world.
Skeptical Academia
Not all scholars accept the story. Some believe the
tradition was promoted or even invented by the Portuguese during the 16th
century to reinforce Catholic influence in India. Historian Henry Heras,
for instance, called the discovery of Thomas’s relics in Mylapore a “barefaced
imposture.”
Writer Ishwar Sharan argues that the story may have
confused Thomas the Apostle with Thomas of Cana, a Syrian
Christian merchant who came to Kerala in the 4th century. According to this
view, later generations may have retrofitted the apostolic identity to give
early Christianity in India a more authoritative origin.
Church’s Official View
The Catholic Church respects the tradition but also
acknowledges the absence of definitive proof. As noted by Catholic Answers,
there’s no biblical or historical evidence confirming where Thomas went after
the events of Pentecost. Though early Christian texts mention Thomas, and
Indian Christians were using Syriac liturgy by the 6th century, direct proof of
his physical presence in India is lacking.
Meanwhile, figures like David of Basra, a 3rd-century
bishop, are historically recorded to have gone on a mission to India. This
shows early Christian ties to India, but doesn’t necessarily prove Thomas came
earlier.
The "India" Debate
Another point of contention is the term “India” itself. In
early writings, “India” could refer to a variety of regions—northwest India,
Persia, or even Arabia. The Acts of Thomas, for example, refers to an Indo-Parthian
kingdom, likely in present-day Iran or Afghanistan, which may not have been
within the borders of modern India.
Historical Context and Plausibility
Despite doubts, the historical and geographical context does
make Thomas’s journey plausible. The Roman Empire had strong trade connections
with South India during the 1st century, particularly through ports like
Muziris. There were also established Jewish communities in Kerala, which would
have made the region more welcoming for someone like Thomas, who was a Jew and
spoke Aramaic.
In addition, many ancient worship sites, such as the Thiruvithamcode
Arappally, which some date to the 1st century, add to the credibility of
the tradition. Even if direct proof is missing, the consistency of these
traditions over time gives them weight.
Probable Route Taken by St. Thomas (circa 52 CE)
- Jerusalem
or Nearby Levantine Port
After the Ascension of Jesus, Thomas is believed to have left from Jerusalem or a port like Caesarea Maritima. - Sailed
via Alexandria or Red Sea Route
He may have traveled through Alexandria and used the Red Sea ports (like Berenike or Myos Hormos), or directly from Red Sea ports in Palestine. - Passed
Through Persian Gulf
From the Red Sea, Thomas likely sailed past Yemen into the Persian Gulf. He may have visited cities like Charax Spasinu (modern-day Iraq) or Seleucia–Ctesiphon, where he is believed to have preached.
The Acts of Thomas also places him in Parthia,
covering areas of modern Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
- Crossed
the Arabian Sea
Thomas is believed to have taken a merchant ship from the Persian Gulf or from Socotra, an island near modern-day Yemen, to the Indian coast. These routes were part of the flourishing Indo-Roman trade, confirmed by sources like Pliny the Elder. - Arrived
at Muziris (Modern Kodungallur, Kerala)
Muziris was a key port in Roman trade. It is traditionally considered the place where Thomas arrived in India in 52 CE.
His Work and Martyrdom
After reaching Kerala, Thomas is believed to have
established seven and a half churches (Ezharappallikal), in places like
Kodungallur, Palayur, Niranam, and Kollam. He preached among Brahmins, Jews,
and even local rulers. Later, he is said to have traveled east to the Coromandel
Coast (modern Tamil Nadu), where he was killed in Mylapore in 72 CE.
