Outside the Middle East, few places are more tied to religion than is India. There also are few places with more varied religious differences or where there has been more violence and fighting between various sects. This also makes India a place of pilgrimage for the faithful of several beliefs.

The basis for the diversity of religious beliefs that permeate India is Hinduism. From that faith was born Buddhism. From those two several offshoots were born, including Sikhism and Jainism. Also having its origin in India is Zoroastrianism, a belief that was a precursor to Christianity. Invaders and immigrants also brought Islam and Christianity to the region.

Hinduism

By far, the most widespread faith in India is Hinduism. Estimates place the number of Hindus in the country at more than 80 percent. Hinduism accounts for the strict caste system although various sects hold different beliefs. Still, all worship at the same pilgrimage sites and follow many of the same traditions.

Aside from Hinduism, the second most popular religion is Islam. India is home of the second largest population of Muslims in the world outside of Indonesia. Islam was introduced to India in the 8th century by Arab traders and grew into a powerful force during the 12th century. Unlike the other main religions of the country, Islamic beliefs are distinct and different.

Variants

Several of the other prominent religions of the country are derived from Hinduism, including, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. The best known of these is Buddhism, which grew from the teachings of its founder, Gautam Buddha. Although originating in India, Buddhism grew most in popularity in the Far East, including Southeast Asia, China, and Japan.

Two other variants of Hinduism are Sikhism and Jainism. Sikhism originated in the 16th century in northern India in the state of Punjab. It was espoused by Guru Nanak, who was influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Although accounting for less than 2 percent of the population, Sikhism has a broad influence on Indian political life. Jainism developed about the same time as Buddhism and preaches a philosophy of nonviolence to the point that adherents wear masks to avoid killing insects or even germs while breathing. It boasts some 3 million followers in the country.