History of Christianity in Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya and North East India

Description

History of Christianity in Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya and North East India offers a comprehensive, scholarly, and accessible account of the religious transformation in one of India’s most culturally diverse and geographically remote regions. Spanning over 150 years, it traces the arrival and growth of Christianity-through Welsh Presbyterian, American Baptist, and later Catholic missions and its profound impact on tribal communities. The book explores how missionariesengaged with complex tribal societies, promoted literacy, improved healthcare, and empowered marginalized groups, particularly women and youth. It presents in-depth case studies of Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya, while also covering broader Northeast states like Assam, Manipur, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh. Special focus is given to how Christianity interacted with local cultures, challenged social hierarchies, and contributed to peacebuilding, education, and community development. Drawing from archival sources, oral histories, and mission records, the author presents a balanced narrative that avoids both romanticization and condemnation. Misconceptions such as linking Christianity to separatism are critically examined with data-driven insights. The role of the Catholic Church, especially in social outreach, is highlighted, along with the emergence of indigenous clergy and contextualized Christian practices. Ultimately, this work is not just a historical study but also a socio-cultural and theological reflection. It reveals how Christianity, once a foreign influence, has been indigenized into a vibrant, tribal-rooted faith-deeply woven into the sociopolitical fabric of Northeast India.