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== Doctrines of Hinduism ==
== Doctrines of Hinduism ==
Hindus value moral and religious duty, or [[dharma]], as well as the importance of uniting the soul ([[Ātman (Hinduism)|Atman]]) with the Brahman to achieve moksha and recognize the true essence of existence<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Mark |first=Joshua J. |title=Hinduism |url=https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=World History Encyclopedia |language=en}}</ref>. The Hindu concept of [[karma]], which pertains to the natural law of action and consequence, facilitates samsara, the cycle of birth and rebirth, by influencing the status of one's reincarnation<ref name=":22">{{Cite book |last=Phillips |first=Stephen |title=Yoga, Karma, and Rebirth: A Brief History and Philosophy |publisher=Columbia University Press |year=2009}}</ref>. Hindus strive for the purushartas, or the four primary goals of life: [[artha]] (economic wealth), [[kama]] (craving and desire for satisfaction), [[dharma]] (individual duty), and [[moksha]] (escape from samsara)<ref name=":12" />. Hindus seek moksha by practicing various [[Yoga|yogas]], which all influence the Indian lifestyle and outlook on life. [[Karma]] yoga is the pursuit of selfless action, in which one performs deeds without concern for reward or self-gain<ref name=":22" />. [[Bhakti]] Yoga is the practice of worshiping and devoting oneself to a specific Hindu deity based on personal needs<ref name=":22" />. [[Jñāna|Jnana]] yoga practitioners seek divine understanding and the significance of distancing oneself from one's physical body and becoming one with Brahman. [[Raja]] yoga is a type of meditative and reflective yoga in which one maintains harmony and control over one's body and mind<ref name=":22" />. Hindu philosophy-based yogas have compelled followers to prioritize compassion and virtuous karma in their lives in order to be reborn into a higher caste and eventually attain [[Karma in Hinduism|moksha]]<ref name=":12" />.
Hindus value moral and religious duty, or [[dharma]], as well as the importance of uniting the soul ([[Ātman (Hinduism)|Atman]]) with the Brahman to achieve moksha and recognize the true essence of existence<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Mark |first=Joshua J. |title=Hinduism |url=https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=World History Encyclopedia |language=en}}</ref>. The Hindu concept of [[karma]], which pertains to the natural law of action and consequence, facilitates samsara, the cycle of birth and rebirth, by influencing the status of one's reincarnation<ref name=":22">{{Cite book |last=Phillips |first=Stephen |title=Yoga, Karma, and Rebirth: A Brief History and Philosophy |publisher=Columbia University Press |year=2009}}</ref>. Hindus strive for the purushartas, or the four primary goals of life: [[artha]] (economic wealth), [[kama]] (craving and desire for satisfaction), [[dharma]] (individual duty), and [[moksha]] (escape from samsara)<ref name=":12" />. Hindus seek moksha by practicing various [[Yoga|yogas]], which all influence the Indian lifestyle and outlook on life. [[Karma]] yoga is the pursuit of selfless action, in which one performs deeds without concern for reward or self-gain<ref name=":22" />. [[Bhakti]] Yoga is the practice of worshiping and devoting oneself to a specific Hindu deity based on personal needs<ref name=":22" />. [[Jñāna|Jnana]] yoga practitioners seek divine understanding and the significance of distancing oneself from one's physical body and becoming one with Brahman. [[Raja]] yoga is a type of meditative and reflective yoga in which one maintains harmony and control over one's body and mind<ref name=":22" />. Hindu philosophy-based yogas have compelled followers to prioritize compassion and virtuous karma in their lives in order to be reborn into a higher caste and eventually attain [[Karma in Hinduism|moksha]]<ref name=":12" />.

==History of Hinduism==
==History of Hinduism==
''Main Article: History of Hinduism''
{{main|History of Hinduism}}The [[Vedic period|Vedic culture]] developed in India in {{BCE|1500}} and {{BCE|500}}.<ref>{{cite book |last = N. Siegel |first = Paul |title = The meek and the militant: religion and power across the world |year = 1986 |publisher = Zed Books, 1987 |isbn = 9780862323493}}</ref> After this period, the [[Historical Vedic religion|Vedic religion]] merged with local traditions and the renouncer traditions, resulting in the emergence of Hinduism,<ref>{{cite book |last = Hoiberg |first = Dale |title = Students' Britannica India |publisher = Popular Prakashan, 2000 |isbn = 9780852297605}}</ref> which has had a profound impact on India's [[History of India|history]], [[Culture of India|culture]] and [[Indian philosophy|philosophy]]. The name ''India'' itself is derived from [[Sanskrit]] ''Sindhu'', the historic local appellation for the Indus River.<ref>"India", ''Oxford English Dictionary'', second edition, 2100a.d. Oxford University Press.</ref> Another popular alternative [[Names for India|name of India]] is ''[[Hindustan|Hindustān]]'', meaning the "land of ''Hindus''".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hindustan|title=Hindustan definition and meaning {{!}} Collins English Dictionary|website=www.collinsdictionary.com|language=en|access-date=13 August 2017|archive-date=6 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106014510/https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hindustan|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Origins of Hinduism ===
India saw the rule of both Hindu and Muslim rulers from {{circa|{{CE|1200}}}} to {{CE|1750}}.<ref>{{cite book|title=World Religions in America, Fourth Edition|page=189|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=34vGv_HDGG8C&pg=PA189|publisher=Westminster John Knox Press|first=Jacob|last=Neusner|isbn=9781611640472|date=7 October 2009|access-date=11 October 2017|archive-date=24 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824113513/https://books.google.com/books?id=34vGv_HDGG8C&pg=PA189|url-status=live}}</ref> The fall of [[Vijayanagar Empire]] to Muslim sultans had marked the end of Hindu dominance in the [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]]. Hinduism once again rose to political prestige, under the [[Maratha Empire]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n5uU2UteUpEC&pg=PA18|title=South Asia: A Short History|page=18|publisher=University of Hawaii Press|first=Hugh|last=Tinker|isbn=9780824812874|year=1966|access-date=11 October 2017|archive-date=24 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824113503/https://books.google.com/books?id=n5uU2UteUpEC&pg=PA18|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=9ukQMwCJsr8C Ganesha on the Dashboard] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215204529/https://books.google.com/books?id=9ukQMwCJsr8C |date=15 December 2019 }} p. 176, V. Raghunathan, M. A. Eswaran, Penguin</ref>[[File:1946 Map of British India with areas demanded for separate Pakistan by Muslim League.jpg|thumb|209x209px|The [[Partition of British India]] was based on religion. (as shown in map)|left]]
[[Hinduism]] is the world's oldest known religion, dating back between 2300 and 1500 BCE. The religion is believed to have originated in the [[Indus River|Indus River Valley]], which today encompasses southern Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwest India<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Mark |first=Joshua J. |title=Hinduism |url=https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=World History Encyclopedia |language=en}}</ref>. The excavations and archaeological findings at the Harappan sites indicate that the inhabitants of the ancient Indus River Valley civilization practiced the Ancient Vedic religion prior to the development of Hinduism.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Ramachandran |first=R |title=A History of Hinduism: The Past, Present, and Future |publisher=SAGE Publications |year=2018}}</ref>. In contrast to other world religions, Hinduism developed with no specific founder, date of origin, or single set of beliefs and practices. Scholars believe that around 1500 BCE, the [[Aryan|Aryans]], a group of nomadic tribes, traveled and settled in the Indus River Valley. Aryan ideas and beliefs consequently merged with the local pre-existing Vedic doctrines of the [[Dravidian peoples|Dravidians]], resulting in the emergence of Hinduism as a religion comprised of different beliefs and practices<ref name=":13" />. The [[Hindu texts|Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda, and the Atharvaveda]] are the sacred Sanskrit Hindu texts composed by the Indo-Aryans in Ancient India. These ancient scriptures, presumed to have been written between 1500 and 1200 BCE, established Brahmanism and served as the foundation for classical Hindu philosophy, ritual, and way of life.<ref name=":0" />.

=== Hinduism under the Gupta Empire (320 to 550 CE) ===
Hinduism grew in popularity during the [[Gupta Empire|Gupta]] dynasty and was promoted by emperors [[Chandragupta I|Chandra Gupta I]] and [[Samudragupta]] in the 4th and 5th centuries. The Gupta rulers were Hindus who strictly enforced and promoted the [[Caste|caste system]]<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=The history of Hinduism (article) |url=https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/world-history/ancient-medieval/early-indian-empires/a/hinduism-in-indian-culture |access-date=2022-10-16 |website=Khan Academy |language=en}}</ref>. [[Brahmin|Brahmins]], in particular, gained greater influence in Hindu society as they were granted land and exempted from taxation under the Gupta empire<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sharma |first=Ram Sharan |title=India Ancient Past |publisher=Oxford |year=2007}}</ref>. During this time, the Guptas also incorporated Hindu teachings and practices into Indian educational systems and used Hinduism as a common religion to unite the state<ref name=":3" />. The Gupta Dynasty saw the development of Hindu temples dedicated to different Hindu gods, particularly Lord [[Vishnu]], the god of preservation, and Lord [[Shiva]], the god of destruction<ref name=":13" />. As adherents of [[Brahmanism]], the Guptas emphasized the worship of the [[Trimurti]], the three most important Hindu manifestations of Brahman. Hindu practices began to diversify and become more complex during Gupta rule, as the ancient Vedic religion continued to evolve and form the basis of contemporary Hinduism<ref name=":3" />.

=== Hinduism under the Mughal Empire (1526-1857 CE) ===
In the sixteenth century, following the fall of the [[Delhi Sultanate|Dehli Sultanate]] in 1526, emperor [[Babur]] established the [[Mughal Empire]]<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=READ: Mughal Empire (article) |url=https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/whp-1750/xcabef9ed3fc7da7b:unit-1-the-world-in-1750/xcabef9ed3fc7da7b:1-3-expanding-to-a-global-scale/a/read-mughal-empire-beta |access-date=2022-10-16 |website=Khan Academy |language=en}}</ref>. The Mughals were [[Muslims|Muslim]] rulers who ruled over a predominantly South Asian Hindu population<ref name=":4" />. The Mughal Empire was famous for popularizing and spreading Islamic ideals, architecture, philosophy, and culture throughout the Indian subcontinent. Throughout the Dehli Sultanate and Mughal Empire, Hindus of the lowest caste, also known as [[Dalit|Dalits]], gravitated toward Islam, a religion that rejected the inequality brought about by the [[Caste|caste system]]. Religious tolerance was generally promoted under the Dynasty's early rulers such as [[Babur]], [[Humayun]], and [[Akbar]]<ref name=":4" />. However, during the reign of Emperor [[Aurangzeb]], Hindu temples were destroyed, and many Hindus were persecuted and forced to convert to Islam<ref name=":4" />. The widespread oppression of Hindus under Aurangzeb led to widespread rebellion and unrest across the state, causing the Mughal Empire to decline as the divisions between Hindus and Muslims grew<ref name=":4" />.

== Caste System ==
The [[Caste system in India|Hindu Caste system]] was a type of social hierarchy instituted throughout the Indian subcontinent that classified people into four groups: [[Brahmin|Brahmins]], [[Kshatriya|Kshatriyas]], [[Vaishya|Vaishyas]], and [[Shudra|Shudras]]<ref name=":5">{{Cite book |last=Deshpande |first=Manali S. |title=History of the Indian Caste System and its Impact on India Today |year=2010}}</ref>. The caste to which one belongs is determined by heredity, so one remains in the same caste from birth and for the remainder of one's life<ref name=":32">{{Cite web |title=The history of Hinduism (article) |url=https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/world-history/ancient-medieval/early-indian-empires/a/hinduism-in-indian-culture |access-date=2022-10-16 |website=Khan Academy |language=en}}</ref>. Hindus believe that performing virtuous karma will allow one to be reincarnated into a higher caste, whereas failing to live by one's [[dharma]], or duty, will result in reincarnation into a lower caste. The caste system arose as a result of the arrival of the Aryans between 2000 and 1500 BCE. The term was first employed in the [[Bhagavad Gita]] when [[Krishna]] encourages [[Arjuna]] to fight by reminding him of the importance of upholding one's dharma according to one's caste<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Mark |first=Joshua J. |title=Hinduism |url=https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=World History Encyclopedia |language=en}}</ref>. Krishna's words were later cited in the [[Manusmriti]], or Laws of Manu, which suggests the need for a strict caste system in order to fulfill the divine order emphasized in the Vedas<ref name=":14" />. The specific professions and people one can marry are also determined by one's caste. The highest caste, the [[Brahmin|Brahmins]], were primarily noble Hindu priests and academic religious figures<ref name=":5" />. The [[Kshatriya|Kshatriyas]] are the varna below the Brahmins and served as warriors, militaristic, and administrative leaders<ref name=":5" />. The [[Vaishya|Vaishyas]] were the common people who worked as farmers and merchants beneath the [[Kshatriya|Kshatriyas]]<ref name=":5" />. The [[Shudra|Shudras]] comprised the lowest caste in the social hierarchy, consisting of artisans and manual laborers<ref name=":5" />. The [[Dalit|Dalits]], or untouchables, were considered impure people who belonged to India's lowest social class. Dalits were low-wage workers who cleared dead animals and collected trash<ref name=":5" />.   [[File:1946 Map of British India with areas demanded for separate Pakistan by Muslim League.jpg|thumb|209x209px|The [[Partition of British India]] was based on religion. (as shown in map)|left]]


==Partition of India==
==Partition of India==
{{Main|Partition of India}}
{{Main|Partition of India}}

The [[Partition of India|1947 Partition of India]] gave rise to bloody rioting and indiscriminate inter-communal killing of [[Hindus]], [[Muslims]], and [[Sikhs]] across the [[Indian subcontinent]]. As a result, an estimated 7.2 million Hindus and Sikhs moved to [[India]] and 7.5 million Muslims moved to [[Pakistan]] permanently, leading to demographic change of both the nations to a certain extent.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Talbot|first1=Ian|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=utKmPQAACAAJ|title=The Partition of India|last2=Singh|first2=Gurharpal|date=2009-07-23|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-85661-4|pages=2|language=en|access-date=3 September 2021|archive-date=13 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213073754/https://books.google.com/books?id=utKmPQAACAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref>
The [[Partition of India|1947 Partition of India]] gave rise to bloody rioting and indiscriminate inter-communal killing of [[Hindus]], [[Muslims]], and [[Sikhs]] across the [[Indian subcontinent]]. As a result, an estimated 7.2 million Hindus and Sikhs moved to [[India]] and 7.5 million Muslims moved to [[Pakistan]] permanently, leading to demographic change of both the nations to a certain extent.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Talbot|first1=Ian|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=utKmPQAACAAJ|title=The Partition of India|last2=Singh|first2=Gurharpal|date=2009-07-23|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-85661-4|pages=2|language=en|access-date=3 September 2021|archive-date=13 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213073754/https://books.google.com/books?id=utKmPQAACAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref>


Revision as of 23:40, 27 October 2022

Part of a series on
Hinduism in India
History
Architecture
Meenakshi Temple in Tamil Nadu, India
Temples
Communities
Topics
Indian Hindus
Arunachalesvara Temple, Thiruvannamalai.
Total population
966.3 millionIncrease[1] (2011)
79.80% of population Decrease
Regions with significant populations
Uttar Pradesh159,312,654
Maharashtra89,703,056
Bihar86,078,686
Madhya Pradesh66,007,121
West Bengal64,385,546
Tamil Nadu63,188,168
Rajasthan60,657,103
Religions
Hinduism (majority)
Tribal people identified as Hindus (minority)
Scriptures
Bhagavad Gita, Vedas and others
Languages
Sanskrit (sacred)
Indian languages (according to the region)

Hinduism encompasses the different beliefs, practices, traditions, and philosophies that have emerged from the Indian Subcontinent as a result of Aryan religious influence on the indigenous Dravidian people. The religion evolved throughout the Indian subcontinent during the reigns of various dynasties, particularly the Gupta and Mughal Empires. According to most scholars, Hinduism is commonly regarded as a henotheistic religion because Hindus recognize multiple manifestations of Brahman, the supreme, underlying, eternal, divine spirit of the universe[2]. Adherents of Hinduism strive to fulfill the four main goals of life, or the purushartas, which include artha, kama, dharma, and moksha. Hindus believe in samsara, which refers to the continuous cycle of birth and rebirth brought about by the moral law of action and reaction, also known as karma[2]. Hindus practice the four main types of yoga to achieve moksha, or liberation from the cycle of reincarnation: Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, and Raja yoga[3]. Hindu beliefs and established doctrines have also served as the foundation for the Caste system, a form of social hierarchy still evident in Indian society today. The vast majority of Indian Hindus belong to Shaivite and Vaishnavite denominations.[4] India is one of the three countries in the world (Nepal and Mauritius being the other two) where Hinduism is the dominant religion.

Doctrines of Hinduism

Hindus value moral and religious duty, or dharma, as well as the importance of uniting the soul (Atman) with the Brahman to achieve moksha and recognize the true essence of existence[5]. The Hindu concept of karma, which pertains to the natural law of action and consequence, facilitates samsara, the cycle of birth and rebirth, by influencing the status of one's reincarnation[6]. Hindus strive for the purushartas, or the four primary goals of life: artha (economic wealth), kama (craving and desire for satisfaction), dharma (individual duty), and moksha (escape from samsara)[5]. Hindus seek moksha by practicing various yogas, which all influence the Indian lifestyle and outlook on life. Karma yoga is the pursuit of selfless action, in which one performs deeds without concern for reward or self-gain[6]. Bhakti Yoga is the practice of worshiping and devoting oneself to a specific Hindu deity based on personal needs[6]. Jnana yoga practitioners seek divine understanding and the significance of distancing oneself from one's physical body and becoming one with Brahman. Raja yoga is a type of meditative and reflective yoga in which one maintains harmony and control over one's body and mind[6]. Hindu philosophy-based yogas have compelled followers to prioritize compassion and virtuous karma in their lives in order to be reborn into a higher caste and eventually attain moksha[5].

History of Hinduism

Main Article: History of Hinduism

Origins of Hinduism

Hinduism is the world's oldest known religion, dating back between 2300 and 1500 BCE. The religion is believed to have originated in the Indus River Valley, which today encompasses southern Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwest India[7]. The excavations and archaeological findings at the Harappan sites indicate that the inhabitants of the ancient Indus River Valley civilization practiced the Ancient Vedic religion prior to the development of Hinduism.[8]. In contrast to other world religions, Hinduism developed with no specific founder, date of origin, or single set of beliefs and practices. Scholars believe that around 1500 BCE, the Aryans, a group of nomadic tribes, traveled and settled in the Indus River Valley. Aryan ideas and beliefs consequently merged with the local pre-existing Vedic doctrines of the Dravidians, resulting in the emergence of Hinduism as a religion comprised of different beliefs and practices[7]. The Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda, and the Atharvaveda are the sacred Sanskrit Hindu texts composed by the Indo-Aryans in Ancient India. These ancient scriptures, presumed to have been written between 1500 and 1200 BCE, established Brahmanism and served as the foundation for classical Hindu philosophy, ritual, and way of life.[8].

Hinduism under the Gupta Empire (320 to 550 CE)

Hinduism grew in popularity during the Gupta dynasty and was promoted by emperors Chandra Gupta I and Samudragupta in the 4th and 5th centuries. The Gupta rulers were Hindus who strictly enforced and promoted the caste system[9]. Brahmins, in particular, gained greater influence in Hindu society as they were granted land and exempted from taxation under the Gupta empire[10]. During this time, the Guptas also incorporated Hindu teachings and practices into Indian educational systems and used Hinduism as a common religion to unite the state[9]. The Gupta Dynasty saw the development of Hindu temples dedicated to different Hindu gods, particularly Lord Vishnu, the god of preservation, and Lord Shiva, the god of destruction[7]. As adherents of Brahmanism, the Guptas emphasized the worship of the Trimurti, the three most important Hindu manifestations of Brahman. Hindu practices began to diversify and become more complex during Gupta rule, as the ancient Vedic religion continued to evolve and form the basis of contemporary Hinduism[9].

Hinduism under the Mughal Empire (1526-1857 CE)

In the sixteenth century, following the fall of the Dehli Sultanate in 1526, emperor Babur established the Mughal Empire[11]. The Mughals were Muslim rulers who ruled over a predominantly South Asian Hindu population[11]. The Mughal Empire was famous for popularizing and spreading Islamic ideals, architecture, philosophy, and culture throughout the Indian subcontinent. Throughout the Dehli Sultanate and Mughal Empire, Hindus of the lowest caste, also known as Dalits, gravitated toward Islam, a religion that rejected the inequality brought about by the caste system. Religious tolerance was generally promoted under the Dynasty's early rulers such as Babur, Humayun, and Akbar[11]. However, during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb, Hindu temples were destroyed, and many Hindus were persecuted and forced to convert to Islam[11]. The widespread oppression of Hindus under Aurangzeb led to widespread rebellion and unrest across the state, causing the Mughal Empire to decline as the divisions between Hindus and Muslims grew[11].

Caste System

The Hindu Caste system was a type of social hierarchy instituted throughout the Indian subcontinent that classified people into four groups: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras[12]. The caste to which one belongs is determined by heredity, so one remains in the same caste from birth and for the remainder of one's life[13]. Hindus believe that performing virtuous karma will allow one to be reincarnated into a higher caste, whereas failing to live by one's dharma, or duty, will result in reincarnation into a lower caste. The caste system arose as a result of the arrival of the Aryans between 2000 and 1500 BCE. The term was first employed in the Bhagavad Gita when Krishna encourages Arjuna to fight by reminding him of the importance of upholding one's dharma according to one's caste[14]. Krishna's words were later cited in the Manusmriti, or Laws of Manu, which suggests the need for a strict caste system in order to fulfill the divine order emphasized in the Vedas[14]. The specific professions and people one can marry are also determined by one's caste. The highest caste, the Brahmins, were primarily noble Hindu priests and academic religious figures[12]. The Kshatriyas are the varna below the Brahmins and served as warriors, militaristic, and administrative leaders[12]. The Vaishyas were the common people who worked as farmers and merchants beneath the Kshatriyas[12]. The Shudras comprised the lowest caste in the social hierarchy, consisting of artisans and manual laborers[12]. The Dalits, or untouchables, were considered impure people who belonged to India's lowest social class. Dalits were low-wage workers who cleared dead animals and collected trash[12].   

The Partition of British India was based on religion. (as shown in map)

Partition of India

Main article: Partition of India

The 1947 Partition of India gave rise to bloody rioting and indiscriminate inter-communal killing of Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs across the Indian subcontinent. As a result, an estimated 7.2 million Hindus and Sikhs moved to India and 7.5 million Muslims moved to Pakistan permanently, leading to demographic change of both the nations to a certain extent.[15]

"I find no parallel in history for a body of converts and their descendants claiming to be a nation apart from the parent stock."

— Mahatma Gandhi, opposing the division of India on the basis of religion in 1944.[16]

Demographics

Template:Table of religions in India

Hindu population by States and Territories

See also: Hindus by district in India
Percentage of Hindus in each district. Data derived from 2011 census.
Hindu population by state / UT, according to the 2011 census
Region Hindus Total % Hindus
India 966,257,353 1,210,854,977 79.80%
Himachal Pradesh 6,532,765 6,864,602 95.17%
Dadra and Nagar Haveli 322,857 343,709 93.93%
Odisha 39,300,341 41,974,218 93.63%
Chhattisgarh 23,819,789 25,545,198 93.25%
Madhya Pradesh 66,007,121 72,626,809 90.89%
Daman and Diu 220,150 243,247 90.50%
Gujarat 53,533,988 60,439,692 88.57%
Rajasthan 60,657,103 68,548,437 88.49%
Andhra Pradesh 74,824,149 84,580,777 88.46%
Tamil Nadu 63,188,168 72,147,030 87.58%
Haryana 22,171,128 25,351,462 87.46%
Puducherry 1,089,409 1,247,953 87.30%
Karnataka 51,317,472 61,095,297 84.00%
Tripura 3,063,903 3,673,917 83.40%
Uttarakhand 8,368,636 10,086,292 82.97%
Bihar 86,078,686 104,099,452 82.69%
Delhi 13,712,100 16,787,941 81.68%
Chandigarh 852,574 1,055,450 80.78%
Maharashtra 89,703,056 112,374,333 79.83%
Uttar Pradesh 159,312,654 199,812,341 79.73%
West Bengal 64,385,546 91,276,115 70.54%
Andaman and Nicobar Islands 264,296 380,581 69.45%
Jharkhand 22,376,051 32,988,134 67.83%
Goa 963,877 1,458,545 66.08%
Assam 19,180,759 31,205,576 61.47%
Sikkim 352,662 610,577 57.76%
Kerala 18,282,492 33,406,061 54.73%
Manipur 1,181,876 2,855,794 41.39%
Punjab 10,678,138 27,743,338 38.49%
Arunachal Pradesh 401,876 1,383,727 29.04%
Jammu and Kashmir 3,566,674 12,541,302 28.44%
Meghalaya 342,078 2,966,889 11.53%
Nagaland 173,054 1,978,502 8.75%
Lakshadweep 1,788 64,473 2.77%
Mizoram 30,136 1,097,206 2.75%

Hindu majority State/Union Territory in India

List of most Hindu majority states with more than 80% of population of Hindus.[17]

  1. Himachal Pradesh – (95.17%)
  2. Dadra and Nagar Haveli – (93.93%)
  3. Orissa – (93.63%)
  4. Chhattisgarh – (93.25%)
  5. Madhya Pradesh – (90.89%)
  6. Daman and Diu – (90.50%)
  7. Gujarat – (88.57%)
  8. Rajasthan – (88.49%)
  9. Andhra Pradesh – (88.46%)
  10. Tamil Nadu – (87.58%)
  11. Haryana – (87.46%)
  12. Puducherry – (87.30%)
  13. Karnataka – (84.00%)
  14. Tripura – (83.40%)
  15. Uttarakhand – (82.97%)
  16. Bihar – (82.69%)
  17. Delhi – (81.68%)
  18. Chandigarh – (80.78%)

Apart from this, there are 10 States/Union Territory of Hindu majorities. With Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal having more than 70 percent of population.[17]

Historical Hindu Population
YearPop.±%
1951 303,675,084—    
1961 366,541,417+20.7%
1971 453,492,481+23.7%
1981 562,379,847+24.0%
1991 690,091,965+22.7%
2001 827,722,142+19.9%
2011 966,257,353+16.7%
Source: census of India

The Hindu population has increased more than three times from 303,675,084 in 1951 to 966,257,353 in 2011, but the Hindu percentage share of total population has declined from 84.1% in 1951 to 79.8% in 2011.[18][19] When India achieved independence in 1947, Hindus formed 85% of the total population and pre-Partition British India had 73% of Hindus and 24% of Muslims.

Among the community, it is estimated that Forward castes comprise 26 per cent, Other Backward Classes comprise 43%, Scheduled Castes (Dalits) comprises 22% and Scheduled Tribes (Adivasis) comprise 9%.[20]

Hindu minority State/Union Territory in India

Of the 28 states in India, Hindus form the majority in 22 states except for Punjab (Sikh majority), Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram (Christian majority). In Manipur, Hinduism is a plurality religion, where Hinduism is practised by 41.39% and Christianity is followed by 41.29% of the people.[17] Out of the eight Union territories, Hindus form the majority in five.[17][21]

Hindus are the minority in six states and three union territories of India namely:[22][23]

  1. Mizoram – (2.75%),
  2. Lakshadweep – (2.77%),
  3. Nagaland – (8.74%),
  4. Meghalaya – (11.52%),
  5. Ladakh – (12.11%),
  6. Jammu and Kashmir – (28.8%),
  7. Arunachal Pradesh – (29.04%),
  8. Punjab – (38.49%) and
  9. Manipur – (41.39%)

Out of the eight states of northeast India, Tripura, Sikkim, and Assam are Hindu majority while four are Hindu minority, and one as a plurality.[24]

States with declining Hindu population in India

West Bengal

Two districts in West Bengal, Malda and North Dinajpur, had a Hindu majority in 2001 census which, by the time of the 2011 census, had become a Hindu minority or plurality.[25] The percentage of Hindu population in the state has decreased from 78.45% in 1951 to 70.54% in 2011. Another district, Murshidabad, is a Muslim majority district where the Muslim population steadily increased from 55.24% in 1951 to 66.27% in 2011.[26]

Uttar Pradesh

The proportion of Hindus in the Saharanpur district was 59.49% in 2001. This had declined to 56.74% by 2011 – a drop of 2.75%. At the same time the Muslim population proportion increased from 39.11% in 2001 to 41.95% in 2011.[27]

Assam

A study on population composition of Assam reveals that the Hindu population proportion in Assam has declined from 70.78% in 1951 to 61.47% in 2011. In 1891, the Muslim population proportion in Assam was only about 5%, but by the 2001 census it had risen to above 30% and by 2011 to above 34% of the total Assam population.[28] According to the 2001 census, there were six Muslim-majority districts in Assam, which increased to nine by the time of the 2011 census.[29]

Kerala

The population of Hindus in Kerala has more than doubled from 8,344,351 in 1951 to 18,282,492 in 2011 census, but the share of Hindu population has dropped from 68.5% in 1901 to 54.7% in 2011.[30]

Hindu population of Kerala (1901–2011)[31][30]
Census

Year

Hindus Decadal Growth rate (%)
1901 4,378,305 68.5% N/A
1911 4,762,393 66.8% +8.77
1921 5,052,039 64.9% +6.08
1931 6,021,982 63.4% +19.20
1941 6,699,600 61.8% +11.25
1951 8,344,351 61.6% +24.55
1961 10,282,568 60.9% +23.23
1971 12,683,277 59.4% +23.35
1981 14,801,347 58.2% +16.70
1991 16,668,587 57.3% +12.62
2001 17,920,105 56.3% +7.51
2011 18,282,492 54.7% +2.02

Manipur

A decrease in the 1991–2001 period is observed in Manipur, from 57% to 52% population share, where there has been a resurgence of the indigenous Sanamahi religion. The Hindu population share in Manipur also decreased in 2001–2011 from 52% to 41.4%. The religious conversion of Hindus to Christianity and migration of Christians from Nagaland are considered to be the reason for this decrease in the Hindu population.[32]

Law & politics

Main articles: Hindu nationalism and Hindutva

Many Right Wing Hindu organisations have demanded that India should be declared a "Hindu nation" by constitution.[33][34][35] As far citizens concerned, only 3/10th Indian hindus are in the favour of making India as Hindu Rashtra.[36]

As of 28 July 2020, there were pleas going on Supreme Court of India to remove the words secular and socialist from the Preamble to the Constitution of India.[37] Recently ex-Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy's have made Plead to Supreme Court of India for Deletion of "Socialist" & "Secular" words from Preamble to the Constitution of India.[38][39]

Controversy

Although the Constitution of India has declared the nation as a secular state with no state religion, it has been argued several times that the Indian state privileges Hinduism as state sponsored religion constitutionally, legislatively and culturally.[40][41] The original copy of the Indian constitution has the illustration of Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman in Part III on Fundamental Rights and Lord Rama has been considered as the true guardian of people’s rights.[42] Article 343 (1) of the Indian Constitution also states that, "The official language of the Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script".[43] Also, Article 48 of Indian constitution prohibits the slaughter of cows or calves (a sacred animal in Hinduism) and it is a criminal offense in most of the states of India.[44][45]

See also

References

  1. ^ "India's religions by numbers". The Hindu. 26 August 2015. Archived from the original on 15 November 2018. Retrieved 8 March 2021 – via www.thehindu.com.
  2. ^ a b Mark, Joshua J. "Hinduism". World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  3. ^ Phillips, Stephen (2009). Yoga, Karma, and Rebirth: A Brief History and Philosophy. Columbia University Press.
  4. ^ "Major Branches of Religions". www.adherents.com. Archived from the original on 19 August 1999. Retrieved 13 August 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  5. ^ a b c Mark, Joshua J. "Hinduism". World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  6. ^ a b c d Phillips, Stephen (2009). Yoga, Karma, and Rebirth: A Brief History and Philosophy. Columbia University Press.
  7. ^ a b c Mark, Joshua J. "Hinduism". World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  8. ^ a b Ramachandran, R (2018). A History of Hinduism: The Past, Present, and Future. SAGE Publications.
  9. ^ a b c "The history of Hinduism (article)". Khan Academy. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  10. ^ Sharma, Ram Sharan (2007). India Ancient Past. Oxford.
  11. ^ a b c d e "READ: Mughal Empire (article)". Khan Academy. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  12. ^ a b c d e f Deshpande, Manali S. (2010). History of the Indian Caste System and its Impact on India Today.
  13. ^ "The history of Hinduism (article)". Khan Academy. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  14. ^ a b Mark, Joshua J. "Hinduism". World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  15. ^ Talbot, Ian; Singh, Gurharpal (23 July 2009). The Partition of India. Cambridge University Press. p. 2. ISBN 978-0-521-85661-4. Archived from the original on 13 December 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2021.
  16. ^ Prof. Prasoon (1 January 2010). My Letters.... M.K.Gandhi. Pustak Mahal. p. 120. ISBN 978-81-223-1109-9. Archived from the original on 6 December 2019. Retrieved 28 December 2019.
  17. ^ a b c d "C-1 Population By Religious Community". Census of India. Archived from the original on 13 September 2015. Retrieved 31 December 2019.
  18. ^ "Key findings about the religious composition of India".
  19. ^ "Census: Hindu share dips below 80%, Muslim share grows but slower". 24 January 2015.
  20. ^ Sachar, Rajinder (2006). "Sachar Committee Report (2004–2005)" (PDF). Government of India. p. 6. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 April 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2008.
  21. ^ ""Religion Must Be Viewed Pan-India": Top Court On Hindus-As-Minorities Plea". City: Thiruvananthapuram. The Times of India. TNN. 2 August 2017. Archived from the original on 17 December 2019. Retrieved 31 December 2019.
  22. ^ "SC quashes plea on minority status for Hindus in 8 states". Hindustan Times. 18 December 2019. Archived from the original on 5 June 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
  23. ^ "'Minority' plea on Hindus in 9 states". www.telegraphindia.com. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
  24. ^ Gheewala, C. L. (1942). "Was the Hindu State Pluralistic?". The Indian Journal of Political Science. 3 (3): 237–248. ISSN 0019-5510. JSTOR 42742673. Archived from the original on 8 June 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
  25. ^ "Bengal beats India in Muslim growth rate". Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  26. ^ "Report taking shape amid infiltration buzz". www.telegraphindia.com. Archived from the original on 25 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  27. ^ "Assembly elections: Minorities on majority route in Uttar Pradesh". Archived from the original on 22 October 2019. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  28. ^ "Citizenship Amendment Act: BJP chasing ghosts in Assam; Census data shows number of Hindu immigrants may have been exaggerated – India News , Firstpost". Firstpost. 18 December 2019. Archived from the original on 25 July 2020. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  29. ^ Jain, Bharti (26 August 2015). "Muslim majority districts in Assam up | India News – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  30. ^ a b "Kerala population Demographics" (PDF). Bitscan. Retrieved 19 July 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  31. ^ Raghunath, Arjun (16 March 2016). "Kerala: Muslims will be double the number of Christians by 2051". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  32. ^ "Christian population on the rise in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur". City: New Delhi. Hindustan Times. TNN. 9 March 2017. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
  33. ^ "Declare India a 'Hindu Rashtra': Hindu convention resolution". Hindustan Times. 17 June 2017. Archived from the original on 1 May 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  34. ^ "'Hindu Rashtra' draft proposes Varanasi as capital instead of Delhi". 13 August 2022.
  35. ^ "India to become Hindu Rashtra by 2025, hints organiser of All India Hindu conference". 12 June 2022.
  36. ^ "Does India belong to only Hindus? Nearly 75% of Hindus say 'No', finds CSDS survey". 14 June 2019.
  37. ^ "Plea in SC seeks to remove words 'socialist', 'secular' from Constitution's preamble-India News, Firstpost". Firstpost. 29 July 2020. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  38. ^ "Subramanian Swamy's Plea to Delete 'Socialism' & 'Secularism' from Preamble to Constitution : Supreme Court to Hear on Sep 23". 2 September 2022.
  39. ^ https://www.thestatesman.com/subramanian-swamy-seeks-deletion/amp/ [bare URL]
  40. ^ "Why India is Not a Secular State". 3 February 2022.
  41. ^ "Is there a Hindu bias in India's secular Constitution? A 2005 academic paper suggests as much".
  42. ^ "Why painting of Ram in India's Constitution matters". 26 January 2021.
  43. ^ https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1881449/ [bare URL]
  44. ^ "Cow protection was a sensitive subject in India even when the Constitution was being framed".
  45. ^ https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1452355/ [bare URL]
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