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Chapter 3
PENTECOSTALISM IN RAJASTHAN
This chapter provides a historical and contextual study of Pentecostalism in
Rajasthan. It begins by describing the origins and historical development of
Pentecostalism, before outlining some of the contextual and theological features
of the movement in order to understand the movement as an indigenous initiative.
This is necessary as Christianity in general, and charismatic Christianity in
particular, faces severe challenges from religious militant groups in the state.
Although Pentecostalism is only in its adolescent stage in Rajasthan, it has
become the fastest growing sector of Christianity. In the present context of
persecution and other related opposition, the relationship of Pentecostals with
other churches is also studied.
3.1. Christianity in Rajasthan
Pentecostalism is one of the most important expressions of Christianity in
Rajasthan. In order to place it in context, it is important to trace the origins of
Christianity in the state. When Christian missionaries entered Rajasthan, it was
one of the princely states in India, and was known as Rajputana.
3.1.1. Early Christianity
Most works on Christianity in Rajasthan begin with Scottish Presbyterians
Williamson Shoolbred and Thomas Blair Steele, the first Christian missionaries to
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