Christianity came to India early, several centuries before it reached Europe. Today's Syrian Christians in Kerala claim to have been converted by St. Thomas and thus to follow the earliest traditions of the Apostolic Church in India. Tamilnadu, Kerala in south and Aurunachal Pradesh contribute 60% of the total Christian population in India. The impact of Christianity on Tamilnadu can be known by existence of churches, which date back to the 14-century. Few churches like St. Andrew's Church, Luz Church and Christ the King church located in Chennai are known for their architecture. Other important churches of Tamilnadu are Kandal Cross Shrine, Manappad Church, Santhome Cathedral Basilica, St. Mary's Church in the Fort, St. Thomas Mount and Velankanni church.