TABLE 2.2: RELIGIOUS COMPOSITION OF INDIA
Religion |
Population |
(%) |
Hindus |
827,578,868 |
80.5 |
Muslims |
138,188,240 |
13.4 |
Christians |
24,080,016 |
2.3 |
Sikhs |
19,215,730 |
1.9 |
Buddhists |
7,955,207 |
0.8 |
Jains |
4,225,053 |
0.4 |
Other Religions & Persuasions |
6,639,626 |
0.6 |
Religion not stated |
727,588 |
0.1 |
Total |
1,028,610,328 |
100.0 |
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UNITY IN DIVERSITY
Vast differences in culture, religion, socio-economic levels, language and caste pose a big challenge to the unity of India. This explains the partition of the country at the time of independence. This also explains why the country has had a long history of riots, secessionist movements, conflicts and demand for smaller states, which have continued after independence. Yet, despite differences and conflicts, there is unity in diversity where democracy is firmly established.
To quote Sharma (2007):
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