DELHI and SIMLA, ARCHDIOCESE OF. — In 1910, with territory detached from the archdiocese of Agra and in part from the diocese of Lahore, the archdiocese of Simla was erected and entrusted to the Capuchins. In 1937, following the requests of Indian Catholics, who desired to see the capital of India under the jurisdiction of a Catholic prelate, the city of Delhi with its surroundings was also incorporated, likewise detached from Agra, and the enlarged circumscription was given the name of the archdiocese of Delhi and Simla.
It has an area of 100.05 sq. km. The population amounts to about 7 million inhabitants, of whom barely 8,000 are Catholics. Protestants number roughly the same. The small number of Catholics is to be attributed to the limited development thus far of conversion work among pagans and to the exodus of the English and Anglo-Indian element that occurred after the establishment of the new independent State of India. The vast majority of the inhabitants are Hindus; there is also a considerable number of Muslims. In total, 12 English Capuchins, 3 Indian, 1 Irish, and 3 indigenous priests labor here. About ten Brothers of the Christian Schools are engaged in teaching. About 50 sisters, almost all foreigners, are occupied with schools and charitable works. The archdiocese is divided into 12 districts, 12 primary stations, and 57 secondary stations.