Today, we'll explore the rich tapestry of religion in India. With a history steeped in diverse spiritual traditions, India is a mosaic of beliefs that have shaped its culture, festivals, and daily life.
Indian religion: history and facts
The history of religions in India is diverse and rich, with the Indian subcontinent being the birthplace of several major world religions. One of the oldest religions that originated in India is Hinduism. It has ancient roots and evolved over thousands of years, encompassing a wide range of beliefs, practices, and rituals. Hinduism has no single founder and is characterized by a vast collection of sacred texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and others. The religion is known for its emphasis on karma (action and its consequences), dharma (moral and social duties), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).
Another significant religion that emerged in India is Buddhism. Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha, Buddhism gained prominence in the 6th century BCE. It originated as a reform movement within the context of Hinduism, addressing issues such as suffering, the nature of existence, and the path to enlightenment. Buddhism eventually spread beyond India to become a major global religion with diverse traditions, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
Jainism is yet another ancient Indian religion that emerged around the same time as Buddhism. Founded by Mahavira, it emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness, and asceticism. Jains follow a strict code of ethics and are known for their commitment to non-harming, leading a life of simplicity and spiritual discipline.
The cultural and religious diversity of India also saw the emergence of Sikhism in the 15th century. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, sought to reconcile elements of Hinduism and Islam. Sikhism emphasizes devotion to one God, equality of all humans, and a commitment to selfless service.
Some facts:
Another significant religion that emerged in India is Buddhism. Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha, Buddhism gained prominence in the 6th century BCE. It originated as a reform movement within the context of Hinduism, addressing issues such as suffering, the nature of existence, and the path to enlightenment. Buddhism eventually spread beyond India to become a major global religion with diverse traditions, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
Jainism is yet another ancient Indian religion that emerged around the same time as Buddhism. Founded by Mahavira, it emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness, and asceticism. Jains follow a strict code of ethics and are known for their commitment to non-harming, leading a life of simplicity and spiritual discipline.
The cultural and religious diversity of India also saw the emergence of Sikhism in the 15th century. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, sought to reconcile elements of Hinduism and Islam. Sikhism emphasizes devotion to one God, equality of all humans, and a commitment to selfless service.
Some facts:
- India has consistently experienced "very high" levels of religion-related social hostilities over the past decade, according to a Pew Research Center study. The Social Hostilities Index, tracked since 2007, consistently places India in the "very high" category. The hostility often targets low-caste Dalits, with religious minorities such as Buddhists, Christians, Jains, Muslims, and Sikhs also facing harassment. Hindu vigilante groups have been responsible for a surge in mob attacks against Dalit and Muslim individuals in the beef, dairy, and leather industries. Additionally, Dalit women are disproportionately victims of sexual violence due to their caste, while Muslim women and girls are targeted based on their religion.
- Communal tensions between different religious faiths and castes have long been a challenge in Indian society. A 2017 Pew Research Center survey revealed that nearly four-in-ten Indians (37%) consider "communal relations" to be a very significant problem, with an additional 31% viewing it as a moderately big problem. However, larger shares of Indian adults express concern about other national issues such as crime, terrorism, corruption, lack of employment opportunities, and rising prices, indicating a broader spectrum of worries beyond religious tensions.
How many religions in India?
In India, there are several religions. Here is a list:
These are some of the major religious traditions in India, and there is also diversity in ethnic and tribal beliefs.
- Hinduism
- Islam
- Christianity
- Sikhism
- Buddhism
- Jainism
- Zoroastrianism
- Baha'i Faith
- Judaism (in small communities)
These are some of the major religious traditions in India, and there is also diversity in ethnic and tribal beliefs.
What is the main religion in India?
The predominant religion in India is Hinduism, with the majority of the population adhering to its diverse array of traditions and beliefs. Hinduism, one of the world's oldest religions, plays a central role in shaping the cultural, social, and philosophical landscape of the country. It encompasses a wide range of practices, rituals, and scriptures, with no single founder and a focus on concepts such as karma, dharma, and moksha. While India is characterized by religious diversity, Hinduism remains the largest religious affiliation, influencing various aspects of daily life and contributing significantly to the country's cultural identity.
Religion in India: percentage in 2023
In 2023, the religious demographics in India were as follows:
- Hinduism: 79.8%
- Islam: 14.2%
- Christianity: 2.3%
- Sikhism: 1.7%
- Buddhism: 0.7%
- Adivasi (including Sarnaism, Bon, Animism, Kirat Mundhum, Donyi-Polo): 0.5%
- Jainism: 0.4%
- No religion (including Atheism, Agnosticism, Secularism, and Not stated): 0.25%
- Other (including Baháʼí Faith, Zoroastrianism, Judaism): 0.15%
Fastest growing religion in India
Islam has been experiencing significant growth in India, emerging as the fastest-growing religion in the country. This trend has been consistent since the availability of census data for independent India. For instance, during the 1991–2001 decade, the growth rate of the Muslim population was 29.5%, surpassing the Hindu growth rate of 19.9%. However, there was a decline in the Muslim population growth rate to 24.6% during the 2001–2011 decade, aligning with a similar trend seen in most religious groups across India.
Official religion of India
While India lacks an official state religion, religion holds a pivotal place in the daily lives of its people, manifested through temple ceremonies, festivals, pilgrimages, family religious traditions, and similar practices.
Hindu religion in India
Hinduism holds the position of being the largest religion in India. These traditions share the belief that Moksha, the ultimate liberation of the soul (Ātman), is of paramount significance. The majority of Indian Hindus predominantly identify with Shaivite and Vaishnavite denominations. India stands alongside Nepal and Mauritius as one of the three countries where Hinduism is the predominant and influential religion.
Freedom of religion in India
The constitution mandates a secular state in India, ensuring freedom of conscience and the right for individuals to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion, with due regard to public order, morality, and health. Discrimination based on religion, including in employment, is prohibited, as are religiously-based restrictions on access to public or private establishments. The constitution recognizes the right of religious groups to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes, manage their own affairs in religious matters, and own, acquire, and administer property. The use of public funds to support any religion is also prohibited. Both national and state laws emphasize that freedom of religion is subject to considerations of public order, morality, and health. Furthermore, the constitution underscores the state's commitment to work towards establishing a uniform civil code applicable to all religious communities across the country.
