Historic Basilica of the Holy Rosary (Bandel Church) in Bandel, West Bengal.

The Basilica of the Holy Rosary, commonly known as Bandel Church, stands as one of the oldest Christian churches in India, located in the suburban town of Bandel within the Hoogly district of West Bengal. Founded in 1599, this site serves as a memorial to the Portuguese settlement in Bengal and is dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Rosário, Our Lady of the Rosary. The church was constructed after Captain Pedro Tavares obtained permission from the Mughal Emperor Akbar to preach the Catholic faith publicly and erect churches in the area. It holds significant historical weight as one of the most prominent churches in West Bengal and India, having witnessed the growth of Catholicism in Hooghly from a few thousand believers by 1598. The original structure was destroyed during the sacking of Hooghly by the Moors in 1632, and a newer church was built over the ruins in 1660 by Gomez de Soto. A key stone from the 1599 church remains visible on the eastern gate of the monastery. On November 25, 1988, Pope John Paul II declared the Bandel Church a minor Basilica. Beyond its religious significance, the church functions as a parish church, playing a significant role in community activities, often allowing its premises to be used for non-religious events.