|
RELIGION
India is a land of often bewildering diversity. It is a jigsaw
puzzle of people of every faith and religion, living together to
create a unique and colourful mosaic.
As the birthplace of four major religions that exist even today,
India is rightfully known as the land of spirituality and philosophy.
The most dominant religion in India today is Hinduism with almost
81% of the people being Hindus. One of the truly ancient religions
of the world, Hinduism is believed to have developed nearly 5000
years ago.
Around 500 BC two other religions made their mark in India. Buddhism
and Jainism and today while these two religions together account
for no more than 1.2% of the population, their impact on Indian
culture and sensibility is far in excess of that. Between them these
three ancient religions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism - moulded
Indian philosophy and thinking. One comparatively new religion in
India is Sikhism, which was established in the 15th century. Today
about 2% of Indians are Sikhs.
Along with the religions that developed in India, there are followers
of non-Indian religions as well. Islam is the chosen faith of a
hefty 12% of India's population.
|
General Information
State
Express