1904-1906 India Revivals
Pandita Ramabai
State of Religion in India Prior to the Revival
In the years leading up to the revivals, India was a land of diverse religious beliefs and practices. Hinduism was the dominant religion1 but there were also significant populations of Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Christians.
According to tradition, Christianity in India traces its origins back to the arrival of the Apostle Thomas, but it had experienced periods of growth and decline over the centuries. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Christian missions from various denominations were active in India, with varying degrees of success.
During this period, India was also undergoing significant social and political changes. The Hindu Revolution, a sociopolitical movement, aimed to overthrow untouchability and casteism to create a unified social and political community and lay the foundations for a modern nation2. This movement reflected a growing desire for social reform and a reawakening of national identity.
While some Christian missions thrived, there was a sense among many that a deeper work of grace was needed in the lives of converts3. This led to calls for prayer for a genuine revival among Christians, with some organizing entire days of prayer involving people in India and around the world3.
Antecedents of the Revival
The India Revivals of 1904-1906 did not occur in isolation. They were influenced by a number of factors, including:
- The Welsh Revival of 1904-1905: News of this powerful revival in Wales, where an estimated 100,000 people were converted, reached India and sparked a desire for a similar outpouring of the Holy Spirit3. Reports of the Welsh Revival ignited fervent prayer and anticipation for a similar awakening in India4.
- Indigenous pre-Pentecostal forms of Christianity: India had a history of indigenous charismatic movements, which may have prepared the ground for the revivals5.
- Social and political movements: The rise of Indian nationalism and social reform movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as the Swadeshi movement, may have contributed to a sense of spiritual awakening and a desire for change6.
The Power of Prayer in the Revivals
One of the most notable features of the India Revivals was the emphasis on prayer. Believers engaged in intense intercession, pleading with God for a spiritual awakening3. Prayer meetings were held regularly, often lasting for hours, and were characterized by a deep sense of God’s presence and a conviction of sin8.
At the Mukti Mission, for example, over 500 people met twice daily to pray for revival9. In the Khasi Hills, Christians met every night for over 18 months to pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit9. These extended periods of prayer created an atmosphere of expectation and prepared the ground for the revivals.
Major Leaders and Churches Involved
The India Revivals were not led by a single figure but involved a diverse group of individuals and churches from various denominations. This diversity is reflected in the following table:
| Revival | Location | Key Figure(s) | Denomination(s) |
| Sialkot Revival | Sialkot | – | Presbyterian |
| Khasi Hills Revival | Khasi Hills, Meghalaya | – | Welsh Presbyterian |
| Mukti Revival | Mukti Mission, near Pune | Pandita Ramabai | – |
| Revival at Dohnavur | Dohnavur, Tamil Nadu | Amy Carmichael | – |
| Revivals in Yeotmal, Allahabad, Doddballapur, Talegaon | Various | – | Free Methodist, Mukti Mission |
| Revivals in the Godavary Delta | – | – | Brethren |
| Revivals in Vizagapatam, Yellamanchili, Vuyyuru, Samulcotta, Bobbili, Bimlipatam, Chicacole, Ramachandrapuram | Various | – | Canadian Baptist |
Some of the key figures mentioned in the research include:
- Pandita Ramabai: A renowned scholar and social reformer who established the Mukti Mission for widows and orphans. She played a significant role in the Mukti Revival of 19059.
- Amy Carmichael: A missionary who worked among the Tamils in southern India. She experienced a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Dohnavur in October 19059.
- John Hyde: A missionary known for his fervent prayer life and commitment to evangelism. He had a significant impact on the revivals, particularly in the Punjab region10.
The revivals fostered significant unity among these denominations, breaking down previous barriers3. This interdenominational cooperation was a remarkable aspect of the revivals and may have had a lasting impact on the development of Christianity in India.
The Role of Women in the Revivals
The India Revivals were notable for the prominent role played by women, both Indian and foreign missionaries. This was significant in a society that traditionally limited women’s participation in public life.
Pandita Ramabai, for example, was a highly respected scholar and social reformer who founded the Mukti Mission9. Her leadership during the Mukti Revival demonstrated the spiritual authority and influence that women could wield within the Christian community.
At the Mukti Mission, women and girls were actively involved in prayer meetings, evangelistic work, and spiritual leadership11. This provided them with opportunities to exercise their spiritual gifts and contribute to the growth of the church.
The revivals, therefore, not only brought about spiritual renewal but also challenged social norms by empowering women and recognizing their contributions to the Christian faith.
Personal Testimonies and Spiritual Encounters
The research material includes numerous personal testimonies of participants in the revivals. These accounts provide valuable insights into the spiritual experiences and transformations that occurred during this time.
One missionary, Rev. Proctor, described the Holy Spirit coming “like a shock of electricity,” with people shouting praises, dancing, running, and falling to the ground3. He also noted the profound impact on converts, who testified, “We are full of joy, we do not understand it, and never knew anything like it before.” 3
At the Mukti Mission, an account describes a prayer meeting where the Holy Spirit descended with power, causing all the girls to pray aloud11. Many participants reported experiencing visions, divine encounters, and a deep sense of God’s presence9. These experiences had a profound impact on their lives, leading to conversions, renewed faith, and a desire to share the Gospel.
John Hyde, a missionary in the Punjab, was known for his fervent prayer life and his commitment to winning souls for Christ10. He set a goal of baptizing one convert every day and, through his dedication and the power of the Holy Spirit, exceeded this goal significantly.
At Dohnavur, Amy Carmichael and her fellow missionaries had been praying for revival for years12. When the outpouring finally came, it was so powerful that they could not even preach or pray aloud9.
These personal testimonies illustrate the transformative power of the revivals and the diverse ways in which the Holy Spirit worked in the lives of individuals and communities.
Immediate and Lasting Results of the Revival
The India Revivals had a significant impact on the Christian community in India. Some of the immediate results included:
- Conversions: Thousands of people, both Christians and non-Christians, were converted during the revivals. In the Khasi Hills alone, over 8,000 people were baptized within two years13.
- Spiritual growth: Existing believers experienced a deepening of their faith and a renewed commitment to Christ3.
- Unity among denominations: The revivals broke down barriers between different Christian groups, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation14.
The revivals also had lasting effects, including:
- Growth of indigenous churches: The revivals contributed to the growth and development of indigenous Pentecostal churches in India5.
- Social impact: The emphasis on confession, repentance, and reconciliation had a positive impact on communities, leading to improved relationships and social harmony15. This social impact paralleled the goals of the Swadeshi movement, which sought to promote self-sufficiency and national unity16.
- Missionary activity: The revivals inspired many to engage in missionary work, spreading the Gospel to other parts of India and beyond17.
The India Revivals, therefore, not only transformed individual lives but also contributed to the growth and vitality of the Christian community as a whole.
Context and Relationship to Other Revivals
The India Revivals were part of a larger wave of religious awakenings that occurred around the world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These included the Welsh Revival of 1904-1905, the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles in 1906, and revivals in Korea, Chile, and other countries14.
These revivals shared some common features, such as an emphasis on prayer, spiritual experiences, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. However, the India Revivals also had unique characteristics shaped by the specific context of India and the involvement of diverse Christian traditions.
The fact that these revivals occurred in different parts of the world suggests a broader spiritual awakening taking place during this period. The India Revivals, therefore, can be seen as part of a global movement of religious renewal and revival.
Chronological Timeline
Creating a precise chronological timeline of the India Revivals is challenging due to limitations in the research material. However, based on the available information, a general timeline can be constructed:
| Date | Event | Location | Source |
| 1896 | Famine and plague in central India and Bombay, leading to increased prayer for revival | – | 3 |
| 1896-1904 | Intense prayer for revival among Christians in India and worldwide | – | 3 |
| 1904 | Sialkot Revival: Outpouring of the Holy Spirit at a Sialkot Convention | Sialkot | 3 |
| 1904-1905 | Welsh Revival: Widespread religious awakening in Wales | Wales | 3 |
| 1905 | Khasi Hills Revival: Revival among the Khasi people in Meghalaya | Khasi Hills, Meghalaya | 19 |
| June 1905 | Mukti Revival: Outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the Mukti Mission | Mukti Mission, near Pune | 9 |
| October 1905 | Revival at Dohnavur: Powerful move of the Spirit among the Tamils | Dohnavur, Tamil Nadu | 20 |
| 1905-1906 | Numerous revivals across India, impacting various missions and denominations | Various locations | 3 |
| 1906 | Azusa Street Revival: Pentecostal revival in Los Angeles | Los Angeles, California | 21 |
Analysis of Results and Beneficial Takeaways
The India Revivals of 1904-1906 were a significant period of spiritual awakening and renewal in India. They demonstrated the power of prayer, the importance of confession and repentance, and the transformative potential of the Holy Spirit.
Some of the key beneficial takeaways from these revivals include:
- The importance of unity: The revivals brought together Christians from different denominations, highlighting the power of unity and cooperation in the body of Christ3. This interdenominational cooperation may have paved the way for the development of indigenous Christian movements and the formation of united churches in India in the years that followed.
- The need for spiritual hunger: The revivals were fueled by a deep desire for a greater experience of God’s presence and power. This highlights the importance of cultivating spiritual hunger and seeking a deeper relationship with God.
- The transformative power of the Gospel: The revivals led to numerous conversions and changed lives, demonstrating the power of the Gospel to bring about personal and social transformation.
- The value of personal testimony: The sharing of personal experiences played a crucial role in spreading the revival fire and inspiring others. This emphasizes the importance of sharing our faith and the impact it can have on those around us.
Conclusion
The India Revivals of 1904-1906 were a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity in India. They were a time of intense spiritual awakening, marked by fervent prayer, powerful conversions, and a renewed sense of unity among Christians. The revivals demonstrated the transformative power of the Gospel and the importance of seeking a deeper relationship with God.
While the exact number of converts and the full extent of the revivals’ impact may be difficult to quantify, their legacy is undeniable. They contributed to the growth of indigenous churches, fostered social harmony, and inspired missionary activity. The revivals also provided a platform for women to exercise leadership roles, challenging traditional social norms.
The India Revivals serve as a reminder of the importance of seeking God, pursuing spiritual renewal, and working together to advance His kingdom. They stand as a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about individual and societal transformation.
Works cited
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