Quick Overview – Jain Population Census 2011
- Jains represent around 0.4% of India's population, totaling approximately 4.5 million people (Census 2011).
- Highest concentrations in Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.
- Most other states and territories feature only a small Jain minority.
- Jains are among the most educated and economically influential groups in India.
State/UT-wise Jain Population – Census 2011
| State/UT | Total Population | Jain Population | Jain % | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | 112,374,333 | 1,400,349 | 1.25% | Minority |
| Delhi | 16,787,941 | 166,231 | 0.99% | Minority |
| Gujarat | 60,439,692 | 579,654 | 0.96% | Minority |
| Rajasthan | 68,548,437 | 622,023 | 0.91% | Minority |
| Madhya Pradesh | 72,626,809 | 567,028 | 0.78% | Minority |
| Karnataka | 61,095,297 | 440,280 | 0.72% | Minority |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli | 343,709 | 1,186 | 0.35% | Negligible |
| Chhattisgarh | 25,545,198 | 61,510 | 0.24% | Negligible |
| Haryana | 25,351,462 | 52,613 | 0.21% | Negligible |
| Chandigarh | 1,055,450 | 1,960 | 0.19% | Negligible |
| Punajb | 27,743,338 | 45,040 | 0.16% | Negligible |
| Nagaland | 1,978,502 | 2,655 | 0.13% | Negligible |
| Tamil Nadu | 72,147,030 | 89,265 | 0.12% | Negligible |
| Daman and Diu | 243,247 | 287 | 0.12% | Negligible |
| Uttar Pradesh | 199,812,341 | 213,267 | 0.11% | Negligible |
| Puducherry | 1,247,953 | 1,400 | 0.11% | Negligible |
| Uttarakhand | 10,086,292 | 9,183 | 0.09% | Negligible |
| Assam | 31,205,576 | 25,949 | 0.08% | Negligible |
| Goa | 1,458,545 | 1,109 | 0.08% | Negligible |
| West Bengal | 91,276,115 | 60,141 | 0.07% | Negligible |
| Andhra Pradesh | 84,580,777 | 53,849 | 0.06% | Negligible |
| Manipur | 2,855,794 | 1,692 | 0.06% | Negligible |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 1,383,727 | 771 | 0.06% | Negligible |
| Jharkhand | 32,988,134 | 14,974 | 0.05% | Negligible |
| Sikkim | 610,577 | 314 | 0.05% | Negligible |
| Himachal Pradesh | 6,864,602 | 1,805 | 0.03% | Negligible |
| Mizoram | 1,097,206 | 376 | 0.03% | Negligible |
| Bihar | 104,099,452 | 18,914 | 0.02% | Negligible |
| Orissa | 41,974,218 | 9,420 | 0.02% | Negligible |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 12,541,302 | 2,490 | 0.02% | Negligible |
| Tripura | 3,673,917 | 860 | 0.02% | Negligible |
| Meghalaya | 2,966,889 | 627 | 0.02% | Negligible |
| Lakshadweep | 64,473 | 11 | 0.02% | Negligible |
| Kerala | 33,406,061 | 4,489 | 0.01% | Negligible |
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | 380,581 | 31 | 0.01% | Negligible |
Jain Sex Ratio & Literacy Rate Table (Census 2011)
| Parameter | Jains in India | All-India Average |
|---|---|---|
| Sex Ratio (females/1000 males) | 954 | 943 |
| Literacy Rate (%) | 94.88% | 72.98% |
| Male Literacy Rate (%) | 96.78% | 80.9% |
| Female Literacy Rate (%) | 92.91% | 64.63% |
| Child Sex Ratio (0–6 yrs) | 828 | 919 |
Jain Population Historic & Growth Trend in India (1951–2011)
| Year | Jain Population | Percent of Indian Population | Decadal Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | 1,618,000 | 0.45% | — |
| 1961 | 2,027,000 | 0.46% | +25.3% |
| 1971 | 2,605,000 | 0.48% | +28.5% |
| 1981 | 3,193,000 | 0.47% | +22.6% |
| 1991 | 3,353,000 | 0.40% | +5.0% |
| 2001 | 4,225,000 | 0.41% | +26.0% |
| 2011 | 4,451,753 | 0.37% | +5.4% |
Current Influential Jain Families
- Sahu Jain Family: Owners of The Times Group (media), finance, education. Notable members: Indu Jain, Samir Jain, Vineet Jain. Region: Uttar Pradesh, Pan-India.
- Mahavir Inspire Group (Vicky Jain’s Family): Major modern business group. Notable member: Vicky Jain. Region: Chhattisgarh/Maharashtra.
- Adani Family: Adani Group (business empire). Notable member: Gautam Adani. Region: Gujarat.
- Dani Family: Heads Asian Paints. Notable member: Ashwin Dani. Region: Maharashtra.
- Gangwal Family: Founded IndiGo Airlines. Notable member: Rakesh Gangwal. Region: Pan-India.
Historical and Cultural Background of Jainism in India
- Jainism is one of the oldest religions in India, starting during the Indus Valley Civilization and Vedic period.
- Lord Mahavira (599–527 BCE) is the main teacher who shaped Jainism and its rules.
- Most Jain families live in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
- Jains follow strict vegetarian diets, avoid owning too many things, and have special monastic traditions.
- Jain kings and merchants built famous temples like Dilwara, Palitana, and Shravanabelagola.