Christianity in Meghalaya

Christianity was first introduced in Meghalaya during 18th century and later it become the main religion of the state. Christianity was first introduce by Britishers to local indigenous Khasi people. During 1830s many Christian missionaries were set up in Meghalaya to converts the local Tribals into Christianity. The Conversion to Christianity of native Tribals of Meghalaya takes place on large scale during 18th-19th century. The British people and various Christian missionaries are successful to convert the majority Tribals of Meghalaya into Christianity. Before Christianity arrived in Meghalaya majority of tribal people were following Animist religion with Ka niamtra and songsarek tradition. The Christian population in Meghalaya is estimated approx. 2.5 million which forms 83.3% of the state population at 2017 census. Currently Presbyterian and Roman Catholic are the two most dominant Christian sects in Meghalaya. Baptism is mainly practiced by garo people living in Western part of Meghalaya. Christianity is mainly practiced by native Khasi people, Garo people and Jaintia people. According to 2017 census report, nearly (85%) of the Khasi people, (90%) of the Garo people and (60%) of the Jaintia people are identified themselves as Christians. Hinduism is the second largest religion in Meghalaya practiced by non tribals such as Bengalis, Biharis, Nepalis, Marwaris and Assamese people etc covering 11.9% of the state population as of 2017 census report. The Christianity is the largest and official religion of Meghalaya. Most of the government institutes are run by Christianity. The Government of Meghalaya proclaims that Meghalaya is being a Christian state because Christianity impact a lot of importance in political affairs of Meghalaya. The culture of Meghalaya is mainly influenced by western countries with tribal traditional culture. Religion in Meghalaya is closely related to ethnicity. Close to 92% of the Garo and nearly 85% of the Khasi are Christian, while more than 97% of the Hajong, 98.53% of the Koch are Hindu.

...
Wikipedia