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''[[Asia]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[India Genealogy|India]]'' {{India-sidebar}}
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Church records are an excellent source for accurate information on names and dates and on places of births, marriages, and deaths. Many people who lived in India have information recorded about them in a church record. Since civil authorities did not begin registering vital statistics until 1872, church records are the best source for family information before that date.
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|[[Image:Brit IndianEmpireReligions3.jpg|thumb|right|300px|<center>Prevailing Religions of the British Indian Empire, 1909</center>]]


The first step in researching European or Anglo-Indian ancestry in colonial India is to use the church records. For administrative purposes, colonial India was divided into three Presidencies, Bombay, Madras, and Bengal. Protestant and Catholic churches began to keep records in India in 1698 (Madras), 1709 (Bombay) and 1713 (Bengal). Each year, these records were transcribed and sent to the capital of the Presidency, where they were indexed. The records and indexes were then sent to headquarters in London. This practice ceased at Independence in 1947. Learn more about family history in the [http://indiafamily.bl.uk/UI/ India Office Records].  
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== Buddhist Records ==
Buddhist temples keep records of death and cremations performed by and for the temple, and names of pilgrims visiting the temple. These records are kept at each temple. Death and cremation records may contain additional information on the deceased's family members.  


Parish maps can help you determine which parish to search. Maps will reveal neighboring parishes to search if your ancestor is not listed in the parish where you expected him or her to be. See [[India Maps]] for more information.  
==Christian Records==
For information about how to obtain records of Christian denominations see [[India Church Records]].


=== Hindu Pilgrimage (Bahi) ===
==Hindu Records==
*'''1194-2015''' {{RecordSearch|1867930|India, Hindu Pilgrimage Records, 1194-2015}} at FamilySearch - [[India, Hindu Pilgrimage Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images<br>
*'''1700-2017''' {{FSC|2737028|item|disp=India, Haryana, Kurukshetra, Pehowa, Pandit Naresh Sharma, Hindu pilgrimage records, 1700-2017}}(*) at FamilySearch - images
*'''1750-2016''' {{FSC|2696283|item|disp=India, Haryana, Kurukshetra, Pehowa, Pandit Shalesh Sharma, Hindu pilgrimage records, 1750-2016}}(*) at FamilySearch - images
*'''1755-2014''' {{FSC|2864188|item|disp=India, Bihar, Madhubani, Pt. Govind Mishra, Hindu pilgrimage records, 1755-2014}}(*) at FamilySearch - images
*'''1800-2013''' {{FSC|2465356|item|disp=India, Jharkhand, B. Deoghar, Pandit Hare Krishn Narone, Hindu Pilgrimage Records, 1800-2013}}(*) at FamilySearch - images
*'''1800-2015''' {{FSC|3345411|item|disp=India, Uttar Pradesh, Allahabad, Pt. Rajesh Sharma, Hindu pilgrimage records, 1800-2015}}(*) at FamilySearch - images
*'''1850-2011''' {{FSC|2864183|item|disp=India, Bihar, Madhubani, Pt. Kanhaiya Mishra, Hindu pilgrimage records, 1850-2011}}(*) at FamilySearch - images
*'''1900-2013''' {{FSC|2370154|item|disp=India, Jharkhand, B. Deoghar, Chandi Dham, Pandit Brahma Shankar Jha, Hindu pilgrimage records, 1900-2013}}(*) at FamilySearch - images
*'''1900-2015''' {{FSC|2615455|item|disp=India, Uttar Pradesh, Kara, Pandit Laxmi Chand Panda (Part 2), Hindu Pilgrimage Records, 1900-2015}}(*) at FamilySearch - images
*'''1905-1963''' {{FSC|2737020|item|disp=India, Uttar Pradesh, Chitrakoot, Pandit Madan Gopal Tiwari, Hindu pilgrimage records, 1905-1963}}(*) at FamilySearch - images
*'''1910-2015''' {{FSC|2696323|item|disp=India, Uttar Pradesh, Chitrakoot, Pandit Surendra Maharaj Tiwari, Hindu pilgrimage records, 1910-2015}}(*) at FamilySearch - images
*'''1913-2011''' {{FSC|2696095|item|disp=India, Uttar Pradesh, Chitrakoot, Pandit Ram Lochan Tiwari, Hindu pilgrimage records, 1913-2011}}(*) at FamilySearch - images
*'''1920-2015''' {{FSC|2615401|item|disp=India, Uttar Pradesh, Kaushambi, Karari, Shitala Dham, Pandit Narendra Prasad, Hindu pilgrimage records, 1920-2015}}(*) at FamilySearch - images
*'''1945-1993''' {{FSC|3346907|item|disp=India, Uttar Pradesh, Soron, Pt. Keshav Dutt Vasist, Hindu pilgrimage records, 1945-1993}}(*) at FamilySearch - images
<br><br>
[[Image:Hindu percent 1909.jpg|thumb|350px|left|<center>Prevailing Religions of the British Indian Empire, 1909: Hindus</center>]]
<br><br>
=== Hindu Pilgrimage (''Bahi'') ===
These documents record the names of Hindus who make pilgrimages to sacred centers in India where certain religious rituals or ordinances are performed. They can be used to establishes individual identity and linkage back many generations. Some records date back as far as the 15th Century. However, the great majority are of the 18th Century to the present.


Research use: Establishes individual identity and linkage back many generations. Indexes by name facilitate research.  
Generally these records include the name of the pilgrim, caste/occupation, birthplace, or family origin, present residence, father, grandfather, great grandfather, etc., sometimes going back many generations on both the maternal and paternal sides. Often names of sons, brothers, nephews, and cousins are given, each relationship being carefully and precisely indicated. Date of visit or register entry is given.  


Record type: Hindu Pilgrimage or Bahi: Record of Hindus who make pilgrimages to sacred centers in India where certain religious rituals or ordinances are performed.  
Records can be located in the homes and “offices” of the Panda (Hindu combination priest-businessman) in cities and towns scattered all over India but primarily in the North. The sacred centers are located in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Most of the centers are in Uttar Pradesh. There is one site in the south in the area of the city of Madura in the state of Tamil Nadu.
<br><br><br><br><br><br><br>


Time period: Some written records date back as far as the 15th Century. However, the great majority are of the 18th Century to the present.  
== Islamic Records ==
[[Image:Muslim percent 1909.jpg|thumb|400px|<center>Prevailing Religions of the British Indian Empire, 1909: Muslims</center>]]
=== Pilgrimage (''Vahi'') ===
These documents record the names of Muslim pilgrims who visit certain centers in India where rituals are performed. They are used primarily to establish individual identity and linkage back many generations. Records date from about 1400 to present and can be found in homes and “offices” of Muslim family bards in Northern India.


Contents: Name of Pilgrim, caste/occupation, birthplace, or family origin, present residence, father, grandfather, great grandfather, etc., sometimes going back many generations on both the maternal and paternal sides. Often names of sons, brothers, nephews, and cousins are given, each relationship being carefully and precisely indicated. Date of visit or register entry is given.  
=== Marriages (''Kadi'') ===
Islam has no priesthood, therefore no ordinances or sacraments. Marriages are entered into through a formal prenuptial agreement. The terms of the contract would be written and signed by the couple. Early marriages may have only required a spoken offer of marriage and acceptance. In either case, two male witnesses were essential to establishing the validity of the marriage.


Location: Located in the homes and “offices” of the Panda (Hindu combination priest-businessman) in cities and towns scattered all over India but primarily in the North. The sacred centers are located in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Most of the centers are in Uttar Pradesh. There is one site in the south in the area of the city of Madura in the state of Tamil Nadu.  
These contracts contain the names and ages of the bride and groom, and date of the marriage. They may also include the birth dates and residences of the couple, the names of their parents or fathers. Generally, only the groom signed the contract. The contracts may also identify witnesses and any dower payments. In rare cases, a date of termination may also be stipulated. Contracts can be found in mosques and in the office of the marriage registrar and judge (''Kazi''). Earliest records date from about 1500.


Population coverage: 42%
=== Funeral (''Janazah'') ===
Religious law calls for bodies to be buried as quickly as possible after death, preferaby within 24 hours. Bodies are washed, wrapped in a white cotton or linen cloth (''kafan''), a prayer (''Salat al-Janazah'') offered, and the body entombed with the head facing Mecca. Cremation is forbidden by Islam as it is viewed as mutliation of the body. Registration of the death and burial follow local requirements.


Reliability: Excellent<ref name="profile">The Family History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “Family History Record Profile: India,” Word document, private files of the FamilySearch Content Strategy Team, 1997.</ref>
== Jainism Records ==
[[Image:Sikhs buddhists jains percent1909.jpg|thumb|right|400px|<center>Prevailing Religions of the British Indian Empire, 1909: Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains</center>]]


[[Image:Hindu Pilgrimage Sites Map.JPG|center|400px]]
== Sikh Records==


=== Muslim Pilgrimage (Vahi) ===
==Jews in India==
*[http://www.jewsofindia.org/genealogy.html Jews of India]


Research use: Establishes individual identity and linkage back many generations. There may be indexes which will facilitate the use of the records.
Record type: Muslim Pilgrimage or Vahi: Record of Muslim pilgrims who visit certain centers in India where rituals are performed.
Time period: 1400 to present
Contents: Undetermined at present. Likely to be similar to Hindu Bahi.
Location: Northern India in homes and “offices” of Muslim family bards.
Population coverage: 10%
Reliability: Excellent<ref name="profile" />
=== Islamic marriages  ===
Research use: Establishes individual identity and linkage back two generations. Theoretically generations could be identified back to when the keeping of the record started.
Record type: Islamic marriage (civil registration) record or Kadi: A marriage record kept of Islamic marriages.
Time period: 1500 to present
Contents: Names, ages, and residences of bride and bridegroom. Names and sometimes occupation of father and grandfather. Date of event. Signature of bridegroom. Names and residences of witnesses and names of witnesses fathers. Amount of dower money.
Location: Located in Mosques and in the houses of the Kazi who is the marriage registrar and judge.
Population: 10%
Reliability: Excellent<ref name="profile" />
=== Christian parish records  ===
Record type: Baptisms, marriages, and burials. Includes not only British, and European members, but native Indians as well.
Time period: 1700 to present.
Contents: Burial records give date and place of death and deceased name, if in the military has detachment, if a mariner the name of his ship, if a colonist the words “inhabitant”. European nationality was given if not English and if a native Indian the words “India Man” were used. Initially no age was given however, if an infant it was so noted. Cause of death given. Christenings, baptisms and births are often mixed together in the register. The event’s date, the name and sex of the child, it’s father’s name and sometimes that of the mother is given as is European nationality if other than English. The marriage records show date and place of marriage, full name of bride and groom except in the case of an Indian woman where only a European first name is given, the groom’s military affiliation if any and the word “inhabitant” was generally noted.
Percent in Family History Library: Approximately 90%
Population coverage: About 3% of the Indian population. Virtually 100% of the Christians are found in these records. However, not all are extant. Catholic records in the Goa are being filmed at this time. Also there may be original church records for which transcripts have not been made and Included with the India Office records.
Reliability: Good<ref name="profile" />
=== Locating Church Records  ===
To find an ancestor in church records, it helps to should know his religion and the parish where he lived. The Imperial Gazetteer may help you find the parish. See the "[[India Gazetteers|Gazetteers]]" section of this Wiki for information about the gazetteer and for other help in finding a parish.
More than 200,000 transcriptions of indexes to church records are available on [http://www.search.fibis.org/frontis/bin/index.php FIBIS Families in British India Society] and [http://indiafamily.bl.uk/UI/ India Office Family History Search]. All of the church record transcriptions and indexes have been microfilmed and are available on microfilm at the Family History Library ([http://wiki.fibis.org/index.php?title=LDS_Microfilms_of_Church_registers_in_India direct link to a list of&nbsp;LDS Microfilms of Church registers in India]). They can be found by using the Place Search for [https://familysearch.org/catalog-search India - Church Records].
=== Records in the Family History Library  ===
The Family History Library has a set of films containing christenings, marriages and burials. Learn how to find these [[Births, Marriages and Death Records for British in India|records]] in the FamilySearch Catalog.
=== External Links  ===
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/familyhistory/next_steps/researchplaces_03.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/familyhistory/next_steps/researchplaces_03.shtml]
*[http://www.tanap.net/content/archives/archives.cfm?ArticleID=208 http://www.tanap.net/content/archives/archives.cfm?ArticleID=208]
*[http://www.aigs.org.au/britind.htm http://www.aigs.org.au/britind.htm]
*[http://www.marquette.edu/library/collections/archives/NativeGuide/Fguide-intro-IN.html http://www.marquette.edu/library/collections/archives/NativeGuide/Fguide-intro-IN.html]
*[http://www.asiamap.ac.uk/collections/collection.php?ID=256 http://www.asiamap.ac.uk/collections/collection.php?ID=256]
*[http://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_India http://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_India]
'''Wiki articles describing these collections are found at:'''
*[[India Births and Baptisms (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]
*[[India Deaths and Burials (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]
*[[India Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]
== References  ==
{{reflist}}


[[Category:India]] [[Category:Church Records by Country]]
[[Category:India]] [[Category:Church Records by Country]]

Revision as of 14:18, 12 August 2024

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Prevailing Religions of the British Indian Empire, 1909

Buddhist Records[edit | edit source]

Buddhist temples keep records of death and cremations performed by and for the temple, and names of pilgrims visiting the temple. These records are kept at each temple. Death and cremation records may contain additional information on the deceased's family members.

Christian Records[edit | edit source]

For information about how to obtain records of Christian denominations see India Church Records.

Hindu Records[edit | edit source]



Prevailing Religions of the British Indian Empire, 1909: Hindus



Hindu Pilgrimage (Bahi)[edit | edit source]

These documents record the names of Hindus who make pilgrimages to sacred centers in India where certain religious rituals or ordinances are performed. They can be used to establishes individual identity and linkage back many generations. Some records date back as far as the 15th Century. However, the great majority are of the 18th Century to the present.

Generally these records include the name of the pilgrim, caste/occupation, birthplace, or family origin, present residence, father, grandfather, great grandfather, etc., sometimes going back many generations on both the maternal and paternal sides. Often names of sons, brothers, nephews, and cousins are given, each relationship being carefully and precisely indicated. Date of visit or register entry is given.

Records can be located in the homes and “offices” of the Panda (Hindu combination priest-businessman) in cities and towns scattered all over India but primarily in the North. The sacred centers are located in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Most of the centers are in Uttar Pradesh. There is one site in the south in the area of the city of Madura in the state of Tamil Nadu.






Islamic Records[edit | edit source]

Prevailing Religions of the British Indian Empire, 1909: Muslims

Pilgrimage (Vahi)[edit | edit source]

These documents record the names of Muslim pilgrims who visit certain centers in India where rituals are performed. They are used primarily to establish individual identity and linkage back many generations. Records date from about 1400 to present and can be found in homes and “offices” of Muslim family bards in Northern India.

Marriages (Kadi)[edit | edit source]

Islam has no priesthood, therefore no ordinances or sacraments. Marriages are entered into through a formal prenuptial agreement. The terms of the contract would be written and signed by the couple. Early marriages may have only required a spoken offer of marriage and acceptance. In either case, two male witnesses were essential to establishing the validity of the marriage.

These contracts contain the names and ages of the bride and groom, and date of the marriage. They may also include the birth dates and residences of the couple, the names of their parents or fathers. Generally, only the groom signed the contract. The contracts may also identify witnesses and any dower payments. In rare cases, a date of termination may also be stipulated. Contracts can be found in mosques and in the office of the marriage registrar and judge (Kazi). Earliest records date from about 1500.

Funeral (Janazah)[edit | edit source]

Religious law calls for bodies to be buried as quickly as possible after death, preferaby within 24 hours. Bodies are washed, wrapped in a white cotton or linen cloth (kafan), a prayer (Salat al-Janazah) offered, and the body entombed with the head facing Mecca. Cremation is forbidden by Islam as it is viewed as mutliation of the body. Registration of the death and burial follow local requirements.

Jainism Records[edit | edit source]

Prevailing Religions of the British Indian Empire, 1909: Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains

Sikh Records[edit | edit source]

Jews in India[edit | edit source]

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