The Silent Takeover: Christianity’s Rise and Buddhism’s Fall in Arunachal
Over just a decade, the Buddhist majority was overtaken, with Christianity emerging as the dominant faith in Arunachal Pradesh, from 2001 to 2011.
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Arunachal Pradesh, once a state with a predominantly Buddhist population, has witnessed a striking demographic shift. Dr Shamika Ravi, a Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, highlighted this transition in a recent interview. Over just a decade the Buddhist majority was overtaken, with Christianity emerging as the dominant faith in the state, from 2001 to 2011. This transformation is not an isolated case but part of a broader pattern across India, where religious conversions have played a major role in reshaping demographics. As the share of the indigenous majority shrinks, the rapid rise of religious minorities is altering the social, cultural, and political landscape of the region. These changes, though gradual, are profound — raising important questions about identity, governance, and the long-term implications of shifting religious demographics in the state.
Ravi emphasised that demographic shifts in a region are not driven solely by differences in fertility rates, but religious conversion also plays a significant role. In Arunachal Pradesh, while the fertility rate among traditional Buddhist communities has declined, aggressive Christian evangelism has driven (spurred) a dramatic increase in the Christian population, transforming the state from a Buddhist majority to a Christian one within a decade.
Religious Demographics Over the Years in Arunachal Pradesh:
From the census data, it is clear that Christianity has seen the largest jump — from 10% in 1991 to 30% by 2011 — while the shares of both Hinduism (37% to 29%) and Buddhism (13% to 11%) have declined over the same period, and the Muslim population has remained small but inched up from 1% to 2%.
According to the Hindustan Times, the Christian community in Arunachal Pradesh grew from under 1% in 1971 to more than 30% by 2011, marking a dramatic demographic transformation in the state. In the largest north-eastern state, the proportion of ‘Other Religions’ — which encompassed roughly two-thirds of Arunachalis in 1971 — fell from 64% to 26% over the past four decades. Meanwhile, the Christian population consistently recorded decadal growth rates exceeding 100%. It should be noted that Arunachal Pradesh’s total population stands at 1.3 million, as per the 2011 census.
Role of Missionaries in Conversions
One of the most simplest explanations for this change is that conversions have played a major role ( is that conversions have been a major driver of this change.) Churches in Arunachal Pradesh have been attracting people from other faiths by adopting a flexible approach toward local traditions and customs while also providing social and medical support. Although the Church may not endorse certain tribal practices, it chooses not to outright reject them to avoid alienating or angering the community. Instead, Church leaders “slowly educate” new members, emphasizing the healing power of prayer and fasting, and referring them to Church-run or government hospitals when needed. Many who convert cite tangible benefits such as relief from illness, access to schools and hospitals, and a sense of protection and belonging offered by the Church. By weaving acceptance of long-held tribal customs into its religious framework — and providing vital services in remote areas — missionaries make conversion more appealing to those facing hardship or seeking an alternative to existing faith traditions. In this, several lakh people residing in the state have got converted.
Political factor behind the surge
It is pertinent to mention that it was former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, who lifted the ban on Christian missionaries. As a result, proselytisation picked up, and in less than a decade (by 1981), the Christian population in the state jumped 5.5 times, making up 4.32 per cent of the state’s population. It was also Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, a Catholic, who, exerting influence from behind the wings, (who) allowed Christian missionaries a free rein in Arunachal Pradesh. Christian missionaries flooded Arunachal Pradesh as soon as it attained statehood in February 1987 during Rajiv Gandhi’s prime ministership.
According to JK Bajaj from the Centre for Policy Studies, the expansion of Christianity to “aggressive proselytisation by the Church, was particularly after Independence.” He also points to reports of forcible conversions among tribes like the Nocte and Wancho as contributing factors.
This is concerning because Arunachal Pradesh’s strong connectivity with the rest of India amplifies the impact of its demographic shifts. Rapid conversions erode indigenous cultures and may alter the region's cultural and political dynamics. Given the state's strategic location, these changes could have broader implications for national unity and border security.
The rising concern of Crypto-Christianity
This trend is not limited to Arunachal Pradesh but is unfolding across the country, raising serious concerns. Additionally, there is the issue of crypto-Christianity — where individuals convert to Christianity but do not officially declare their change in faith to retain quota and reservation benefits. This allows them to avoid demographic scrutiny while benefiting from government provisions meant for non-Christian communities. India reportedly has the highest number of crypto-Christians, further complicating the true picture of religious demographics.
The Threat to Buddhism in India
If the trend of mass conversions continues, Buddhism in India could face an existential crisis. With a shrinking base of followers, there may soon be no one left to preserve or propagate the religion. If not addressed, Buddhism could become the first religion in India to be completely wiped out by Christianity.
The demographic transformation in Arunachal Pradesh highlights the profound impact of religious conversions on indigenous cultures and traditions. The unchecked rise of Christianity, fueled by aggressive evangelism and political decisions, has led to the steady erosion of native faiths, with broader implications for India’s social and strategic landscape. The growing issue of crypto-Christianity further complicates the true demographic picture, raising concerns about policy loopholes and identity manipulation. Addressing this issue requires proactive measures to preserve cultural heritage, ensure religious transparency, and uphold the integrity of India’s diverse social fabric.
Religious Demographics Over the Years in Arunachal Pradesh:
From the census data, it is clear that Christianity has seen the largest jump — from 10% in 1991 to 30% by 2011 — while the shares of both Hinduism (37% to 29%) and Buddhism (13% to 11%) have declined over the same period, and the Muslim population has remained small but inched up from 1% to 2%.
According to the Hindustan Times, the Christian community in Arunachal Pradesh grew from under 1% in 1971 to more than 30% by 2011, marking a dramatic demographic transformation in the state. In the largest north-eastern state, the proportion of ‘Other Religions’ — which encompassed roughly two-thirds of Arunachalis in 1971 — fell from 64% to 26% over the past four decades. Meanwhile, the Christian population consistently recorded decadal growth rates exceeding 100%. It should be noted that Arunachal Pradesh’s total population stands at 1.3 million, as per the 2011 census.
Role of Missionaries in Conversions
One of the most simplest explanations for this change is that conversions have played a major role ( is that conversions have been a major driver of this change.) Churches in Arunachal Pradesh have been attracting people from other faiths by adopting a flexible approach toward local traditions and customs while also providing social and medical support. Although the Church may not endorse certain tribal practices, it chooses not to outright reject them to avoid alienating or angering the community. Instead, Church leaders “slowly educate” new members, emphasizing the healing power of prayer and fasting, and referring them to Church-run or government hospitals when needed. Many who convert cite tangible benefits such as relief from illness, access to schools and hospitals, and a sense of protection and belonging offered by the Church. By weaving acceptance of long-held tribal customs into its religious framework — and providing vital services in remote areas — missionaries make conversion more appealing to those facing hardship or seeking an alternative to existing faith traditions. In this, several lakh people residing in the state have got converted.
Political factor behind the surge
It is pertinent to mention that it was former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, who lifted the ban on Christian missionaries. As a result, proselytisation picked up, and in less than a decade (by 1981), the Christian population in the state jumped 5.5 times, making up 4.32 per cent of the state’s population. It was also Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, a Catholic, who, exerting influence from behind the wings, (who) allowed Christian missionaries a free rein in Arunachal Pradesh. Christian missionaries flooded Arunachal Pradesh as soon as it attained statehood in February 1987 during Rajiv Gandhi’s prime ministership.
According to JK Bajaj from the Centre for Policy Studies, the expansion of Christianity to “aggressive proselytisation by the Church, was particularly after Independence.” He also points to reports of forcible conversions among tribes like the Nocte and Wancho as contributing factors.
This is concerning because Arunachal Pradesh’s strong connectivity with the rest of India amplifies the impact of its demographic shifts. Rapid conversions erode indigenous cultures and may alter the region's cultural and political dynamics. Given the state's strategic location, these changes could have broader implications for national unity and border security.
The rising concern of Crypto-Christianity
This trend is not limited to Arunachal Pradesh but is unfolding across the country, raising serious concerns. Additionally, there is the issue of crypto-Christianity — where individuals convert to Christianity but do not officially declare their change in faith to retain quota and reservation benefits. This allows them to avoid demographic scrutiny while benefiting from government provisions meant for non-Christian communities. India reportedly has the highest number of crypto-Christians, further complicating the true picture of religious demographics.
The Threat to Buddhism in India
If the trend of mass conversions continues, Buddhism in India could face an existential crisis. With a shrinking base of followers, there may soon be no one left to preserve or propagate the religion. If not addressed, Buddhism could become the first religion in India to be completely wiped out by Christianity.
The demographic transformation in Arunachal Pradesh highlights the profound impact of religious conversions on indigenous cultures and traditions. The unchecked rise of Christianity, fueled by aggressive evangelism and political decisions, has led to the steady erosion of native faiths, with broader implications for India’s social and strategic landscape. The growing issue of crypto-Christianity further complicates the true demographic picture, raising concerns about policy loopholes and identity manipulation. Addressing this issue requires proactive measures to preserve cultural heritage, ensure religious transparency, and uphold the integrity of India’s diverse social fabric.
