Throughout our lives, we have all experienced the traditional aspects and customs that are derived from our religions. We can boastly say that India is the only country in the world where we celebrate countless festivals and customs which are related to our religions. There is no doubt that religion plays a significant role in the social life of Indians and can be seen in the way people dress, eat, speak, and so much more. Read on to learn about the uniqueness and specialties that each religion holds.
Religion and its Impact on Society: Overview
Indian society has been shaped by religion on a political, cultural, and economic level for centuries. India is proud of its rich religious history, which includes Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. Even though 79.8% of Indians identify as Hindus, a variety of religions exist in India and continue to influence contemporary society. The number of sacred and holy places in India proves that religion is more publicly visible in India than in most English-speaking Western countries. In Ashrams (monasteries or congregation sites), scholars live together in large communities, temples (mandirs), shrines are built, and specific terrain is included. Many places of worship are located near one another, such as Hindu temples, Muslim mosques, and Christian churches. While all religions in India cannot be covered in detail here, we provide a brief overview of the major ones as well as large religion and its impact on society.
What is Religion?
The term “religion” itself carries varied interpretations. In English, its Latin root, “Religare,” signifies “to bind together.” It encompasses both the realm of opinion, reflecting the state of the mind, and the practical aspect of determined modes of action, representing the practical facets of life.
Religion holds a significant role in India, a country known for its diversity and respect for all faiths. India stands out as a nation where people of various religions coexist. In the backdrop of India’s unity in diversity, individuals from different castes, creeds, races, and religions cohabit, contributing to the rich tapestry of the nation.
Hinduism in India
Hinduism is India’s largest religion. Hinduism can be difficult to define because it embraces many different traditions and religions. It has, however, had a significant impact on Indian society. Hinduism continues to flourish in India today through Hindu-inspired festivals, artwork, and temples. Classical epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata continue to be revived through film and television. Another popular tale in many villages is Krishna Lila.
In public and private places, images of gods and goddesses are venerated throughout the year. For example, Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, is particularly popular due to his belief that he can remove obstructions. Trees and rivers are also viewed with reverence.
There was a large-scale caste system associated with Hinduism in India, known as the ‘varna’ system. Varna represented Hindu ideals for society. Traditionally, society was divided into four ideal castes: brahmin (priestly), kshatriya (warrior, royalty, or nobility), vaishya (commoner or merchant caste) and shudra (artisan or labourer caste).
Essentially, it’s a hereditary system where people are born into a caste. Each caste has a set of social duties (sometimes referred to as ‘dharma’) they must obey to maintain their position.
According to the Brahmin caste, for example, one should take care of religious affairs (such as learning religious texts and performing rituals) but avoid duties outside of their caste. Brahmin priests often perform ritual activities for other Hindus today.
Islam in India
It is widely believed that Islam has contributed significantly to the country’s society, culture, architecture, and artistry. Islam is the second most followed religion in India. As a result of the practice of Islam in India, there have been many changes as well. Muslims are known in India for their food, their practice of Islam and their generosity to fellow citizens.
It is nevertheless true that the Islamic community continues to play an important role in the country’s development even so. In India, for instance, the Muslim community has been instrumental in the establishment of religious institutes, theological research institutes, facilities, universities, and the establishment of religious facilities and institutes across the country.
There are also mystical strains of Islam (Sufism) that are popular in Gujarat, with people gathering to see Sufi dancing performances. Sunni Muslims make up the majority of Gujarat’s population, but Shi’ite minorities also play an influential role. Among the major cities in the region, Sunnis live mostly in Uttar Pradesh, Jammu, and Kashmir, West Bengal, and Kerala.
Sikhism in India
In its origin in India, Sikhism can be described as a monotheistic religion that emphasises devotion to a formless God and is a monotheistic religion. According to the religion, service, humility, and equality are the three pillars of service which encourage its followers to help those who are less fortunate or in need in their lives. It is quite common for Sikhs, for example, to offer food to visitors to gurdwaras (the primary places of worship of Sikhs).
Many men and some women wear the Sikh turban, also known as the dastar or the dumalla, a symbol of the Sikh community that is easily identifiable. Sikhs in India have been primarily based in Punjab since the partition of India and Pakistan.
Buddhism in India
A countermovement to early Hinduism, Buddhism offered a universal ethical code instead of one based on caste. One of the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism states that by practising the ‘Noble Eightfold Path’ one can free themselves from the suffering that underlies death and rebirth.
The practice of Buddhism has gained in popularity in India over the past 30 years, largely due to exiled Tibetan monks. In contemporary India, Buddhism has also gained popularity as many from the ‘untouchables’ caste view it as an alternative to Hinduism. A large number of Buddhists live in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Maharashtra, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Jainism in India
The ethical principle of ahimsa (‘non-harm’ or ‘non-violence’) is often practised by lay Jains in modern India, opposing some early Hindu teachings. In the Jain lay community, vegetarianism and animal welfare are promoted, along with Samayika, a practice that strengthens spiritual discipline. Most Jains practise Samayika in a temple, before a monk, or at home in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
Christianity in India
In India, Christianity ranks third among the most popular religions, with the majority of followers concentrated in the south and in Mumbai.
There are many different denominations of Christianity in India, but despite Roman Catholicism being the most prominent denomination, there are also localised churches (such as Church of South India and Church of North India) whose main focus is on the Christian faith that is present in Indian society.
In general, Christians are largely minorities, such as lower castes and tribal groups, whose history has been a difficult one.
Religion and its Impact on Society
India, renowned for its religious pluralism, encompasses all major world religions—Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism.
The influence of religion on Indian culture can be outlined as follows
Unity
Individuals often strongly identify with their religious groups, fostering a sense of unity within these communities.
Ethical Values
Religion plays a role in cultivating ethical values, such as filial care, protection of children, assisting the needy, and promoting honesty.
Social Control
Religion serves as a potent tool for social control, shaping individual behaviour by instilling specific moral values.
Basis of Law
Over time, religious customs and traditions acquire legal significance. For instance, moral principles dictate that supporting one’s spouse and children is a husband’s obligatory duty. This principle is reflected in legal provisions like maintenance awards under the Hindu Marriage Act and Section 125 of the CRPC (Code of Criminal Procedure).
Conclusion
We have tried our best to give you a glance at each religion. To know much more about any particular religion and its impact on society or any suggestion leave a comment below.
FAQs on Religion and its Impact on Society
Religion in India influences cultural, social, and political scenarios, contributing to diversity and shaping values, norms and relationships.
Religion encompasses a set of beliefs and practices that impact various facets of life, including culture, morality and social structures.
Religion can influence societal norms, cultural practices, moral values and even political dynamics. Religion shapes the way people live and interact.
Religion provides a framework for understanding the world, guiding moral behaviour, shaping cultural practices and influencing social structures.
In India, religion plays a crucial role in shaping cultural identity, social structures, and political dynamics. Religion contributes to the nation's diverse and pluralistic fabric.
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