Religion in India

| 2013 |

| HOLIDAY ASSINGMENTSubject-HistoryByAyush dowerahD23999D |

RELIGION IN INDIA |

|

CONTENT

1) Introduction

2) Hinduism

3) Sikhism

4) Buddhism

5) Islam

6) Christianity

7) Jainism

8) Zoroastrianism

9) Secularism in modern India

10) Bibliography

India's Religion and PhilosophyIndia is the birthplace of four of the world's major religions; namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism andSikhism. Throughout India's history, religion has been an important part of the country's culture. Religious diversity and religious tolerance are both established in the country by the law and custom. A vast majority of Indians, (over 93%), associate themselves with a religion.According to the 2001 census,[1] 80.5% of the population of India practise Hinduism. Islam (13.4%), Christianity (2.3%), Sikhism (1.9%),Buddhism (0.8%) and Jainism (0.4%) are the other major religions followed by the people of India. There are also numerous minor tribal traditions, though these have been affected by major religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity.The diversity of religious belief systems in India today, is a result of both the existence of many native religions and also, the assimilation and social integration of religions brought to the region by traders, travellers, immigrants, and even invaders and conquerors like the Mughals.With the origins of Hinduism and Buddhism in India, religion is considered to be extremely important.  Of the two religions, Hinduism is infinitely more popular, with an incredible 82 percent of the population practicing it.  Within this majority, there are significant differences in the belief systems and caste divisions.  Although there is division in some areas of Hinduism, there are many areas in common.   They will all go to the pilgrimage sites, coming from all over India and will- if they go to a Brahman priest for birth, marriage and/or death rituals- hear the same Sanskrit verses from hundreds of years ago.In the shadow of...