Which religious minority has the largest population in India?

The correct answer is - Muslims

Key Points

• Muslims
  • According to the Indian Census, Muslims constitute the largest religious minority in India.
  • The 2011 Census data indicates that Muslims make up about 14.2% of the total population.
  • In terms of absolute numbers, the Muslim population in India is over 170 million, making it the second-largest Muslim population in the world after Indonesia.
  • This demographic information is crucial for understanding the religious composition of India.

Additional Information

• Other Religious Minorities
  • Christians
    • Christians constitute about 2.3% of India's population.
    • They are primarily concentrated in states like Kerala, Goa, and the northeastern states.
  • Sikhs
    • Sikhs make up about 1.7% of the population.
    • Punjab is the state with the highest concentration of Sikhs, where they form the majority.
  • Jains
    • Jains account for about 0.4% of the population.
    • They are known for their significant contributions to trade, commerce, and philanthropy in India.
• Constitutional Provisions
  • The Indian Constitution recognizes the rights of religious minorities under various articles, ensuring their protection and ability to preserve their culture.
  • Article 29 and Article 30 specifically focus on the rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.