Christianity in India has a history of at least two thousand years. It is believed that it was first introduced by the apostle Thomas, who is said to have come to India in the first century AD. Subsequently, it spread throughout the country, and today there are many Christian communities in India. The Portuguese and other European missionaries played a major role in the spread of Christianity in India during the colonial period. Christianity has been an integral part of Indian culture and society, and has made a significant contribution to the development of the country.