In India, social stratification among Christians based on caste membership at the time of an individual's or an ancestor's conversion.
Indian Christians are grouped by denomination, geography, and caste. The Syrian Christians along the Malabar coast, descended from 1st-century converts of high birth, retain mid-rank status in Hindu society. Portuguese missionaries of the 16th century converted lower-caste fisherfolk. Missionaries in the 19th century insisted on social reform and tended to draw from the lowest classes. Caste distinctions are breaking down at about the same rate among contemporary Indian Christians and other Indians.