India is a diverse and spiritually rich nation, home to a multitude of religions and belief systems that have coexisted for centuries. Some of the prominent religions in India include Hinduism, which is the oldest and the most widely practiced, with millions of gods and goddesses.
Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, also originated in India. Sikhism, another indigenous religion, emphasizes equality and service. Jainism, with its principles of non-violence and truth, is followed by a significant number of people.
India is also home to various minority religions like Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and others, making it a tapestry of religious diversity.
Religion in India
Religion in India is marked by a rich tapestry of beliefs and rituals. It has played a significant role in shaping the country’s culture and identity. India is the cradle of four major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. T
hese faiths, collectively referred to as Dharmic Religions or native Indian religions, have their origins deeply rooted in the Indian subcontinent. Throughout the history of India, these spiritual traditions have thrived, contributing to the diverse and vibrant religious landscape that continues to influence the lives of millions in the region.
The preamble of India’s Constitution affirms the nation’s secular character, emphasizing the separation of religion from the state. Moreover, the Constitution enshrines the fundamental right to freedom of religion.
Hinduism is practiced by the majority, accounting for 79.8% of India’s population. Islam is the second-largest religion, with 14.2% of adherents. Christianity follows at 2.3%, while Sikhism represents 1.7%. Buddhism and Jainism have smaller but significant followings at 0.7% and 0.4%, respectively.
Additionally, India boasts ancient ties to Zoroastrianism, Sanamahism, and Judaism, each with thousands of adherents. Remarkably, India hosts the world’s largest populations of Zoroastrians (Parsis and Iranis) and Bahá’í Faith adherents, despite these religions having their origins primarily in Persia. This diversity underscores India’s status as a religiously pluralistic nation.
List of Religions in India
| Religion | Population | % |
|---|---|---|
| Hindus | 966,257,353 | 79.8% |
| Muslims | 172,245,158 | 14.2% |
| Christians | 27,819,588 | 2.3% |
| Sikhs | 20,833,116 | 1.72% |
| Buddhists | 8,442,972 | 0.7% |
| Jains | 4,451,753 | 0.37% |
| Other religions | 7,937,734 | 0.67% |
| Not stated | 2,867,303 | 0.24% |
| Total | 1,210,854,977 | 100% |
India Religion Wise Population
| Religion | Percent | Estimated | State Majority |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Religion | 100.00 % | 121 Crores | 35 |
| Hindu | 79.80 % | 96.62 Crores | 28 |
| Muslim | 14.23 % | 17.22 Crores | 2 |
| Christian | 2.30 % | 2.78 Crores | 4 |
| Sikh | 1.72 % | 2.08 Crores | 1 |
| Buddhist | 0.70 % | 84.43 Lakhs | – |
| Jain | 0.37 % | 44.52 Lakhs | – |
| Other Religion | 0.66 % | 79.38 Lakhs | – |
| Not Stated | 0.24 % | 28.67 Lakhs | – |
Religions in India PDF List
Download list of all religions in India pdf from below link.
https://www.mdu.ac.in/UpFiles/UpPdfFiles/2020/Mar/Ch-5.pdf
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