What was the impact of Christianity on Indian society?

The Mughal emperor Akbar was anxious to know about Christianity so he sent his ambassador to Goa in 1579 AD. Akbar asked the ambassador to send two learned priests to his court.

Do you know the name of the priests who came to his court?

Father Rudolph Acquaviva, Father Anthony Monserrate, and Brother Francis Henriques reached Fatehpur Sikri. They were involved in religious debates and discussions held at the Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri.

Akbar also commissioned Father Jerome Xavier to translate the life of Christ into Persian. The translation was completed in 1602 AD and was called Dastan-i-Masih.

Impact of Christianity on Indian society: Literature

� The missionaries brought out grammars and dictionaries of the Indian languages to understand and be understood by the Indian people.
� St. Francis Xavier learned the language of Malabar. He brought out a manual of grammar and vocabulary which helped Jesuits and other missionaries to learn the language of the people of Malabar.
� A grammar book and an epic in Konkani were brought out by the English Jesuit, Thomas Stephens. Another English missionary, Diogo Ribeiro wrote a grammar book and booklets on Christian doctrines.

Impact of Christianity on indian society: Music

Western music was taught in Church schools by the missionaries. They also taught dance and instrumental music. There were music schools in churches so that hymns could be sung accompanied by different musical instruments.

Impact of Christianity on Indian society: Art and Architecture

Christianity influenced Mughal art and architecture. The miniature painting of the Nativity scene commissioned under Akbar is a good example. Christian themes can be found in many paintings made during the reign of Akbar and Jahangir.

The Missionaries also taught the art of painting, carving, and sculpture. Apart from Akbar, Jahangir also had an album of miniatures that had paintings with Christian themes.

The influence of Christianity could be seen in the architecture as well. The Buland Darwaza in Fatehpur Sikri has a verse written on it depicting the Christian faith.

The calligraphy inside the arch of the Buland Darwaza reads � �Jesus, Son of Mary (on whom be peace) said: The World is a bridge, pass over it, but build no houses upon it. He, who hopes for a day, may hope for eternity, but the World endures but an hour. Spend it in prayer, for the rest is unseen.�