Marathi Christians

History

In the 18th Century Missionaries reached to the untouchables and poor sections of society, imparting western education and raising awareness of human rights and sharing the gospel, teaching the bible inspired many. Education, healthcare, social reform, and the active efforts of missionaries have played a significant role in the spread of Christianity. Around the turn of the 18th century, British Baptist missionary William Carey was instrumental in translating the Bible into the Marathi language. Most of the converts were lower-caste Hindus with some upper-caste Hindus and Muslims.

Ahmednagar

The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions established their first foreign mission with the American Marathi mission in Bombay on 21 December 1813, it was the first Protestant Mission in Western India and spread into hundreds of villages. The mission center moved from Bombay to Ahmednagar in 1831 because it was closer to the center of Marathi country. Schools, Boardings, Colleges and theological institutions were created by Marathi mission in late 1800, aiding famine and reaching untouchables increased Christian Converts in area.

Christians of Ahmednagar district account for nearly 10% of district's population, a significant number of whom are located in the eastern part of the district in places such as Nevasa, Pathardi, Shevgaon, Rahuri and Ahmednagar itself.

Palghar

European and American missionaries established missions in Palghar and Dahanu in Palghar district. Most of the converted Christian community from these areas are local native belong to the Second District of the Church of the Brethren (F-257 Bom).

Aurangabad

Aurangabad is home to The Diocese of Aurangabad which has its Cathedral and Bishop's House located in the Cantonment Area. The Diocese covers the whole of Marathwada and works mainly in field of Education, Health, and social work.

Yavatmal

The American Free Methodist Church maintains missions at Yavatmal, Wani, Umri, Rajur and Darwah.

Pune

The city of Pune is home to the headquarters of the Diocese of Pune. The Diocese has a significant Marathi Catholic population.

There are several Marathi Methodist, Anglican, Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Church of the Nazarene, Pentecostal and Church of Christ missions across the city.

Kolhapur

The roots of Christianity in Kolhapur were laid by the Reverend Royal Gould Wilder, an American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mission missionary. He started the mission in Kolhapur in 1853 and later established the first church in Kolhapur which now stands as Wilder Memorial Church.

The mission eventually became independent and then came under the American Presbyterian mission which established further churches in Sangli, Islampur, Panhala and other towns. These together continue under the Kolhapur Church Council.

The Church of North India has a number of churches in Kolhapur under the Diocese of Kolhapur.