Gujarat

Gujarat has been called the "Soul of India." Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India's freedom movement, was born in Gujarat and spent his early years there. The name is derived from Gujaratta, meaning "the land ruled by the Gujurs," and first appeared in records as early as A.D. 942.

The history of this state dates back more than 4,000 years to the Indus Valley civilization. Since then it has faced a Greek incursion; Muslim rule; European influence from Portuguese, Dutch and English explorers; invasions from neighboring states; and British control before becoming part of independent India. The modern-day state of Gujarat was formed in 1960.

Situated on the west coast of India, Gujarat has the nation's longest coastline. It has an area of 75,665 square miles (slightly larger than the state of Washington), with a population of more than 50 million. Major languages include Gujarati, Hindi, Sindhi, Urdu and Marathi. Hindus make up the largest religious group with 89.4 percent, followed by Muslims (8.9%), Jains (1.2%) and Christians (0.5%). Gujarat produces more cotton, peanuts and milk than any other state in India. It also manufactures inorganic chemicals, pharmaceuticals and fertilizers.

Though the area has a long history of missionary work—Franciscans arrived in Gujarat before 1500—today's Church is comprised of mostly nominal Christians, with a few belonging to small evangelical groups. Divisions, compromises with pagan religions, and lack of outreach all have drained life from the Body of Christ. Saurashtra, Gujarat's western peninsula in the Arabian Sea, has around 12 million people, of whom only 0.07 percent are Christian. This is the most unreached area in the state.

Lately Gujarat has become a focal point for the persecution of Christians. Religious extremist groups, with the support of the local fundamentalist political party, have pursued a strategy of intimidation, slander and harassment of Christians, especially those from Dalit or tribal communities.