Jainas as a Minority in Indian Society and History
By Jagadish Prasad Sharma
Summary
This article by Jagadish Prasad Sharma examines the demographic and historical position of the Jain community in India. Using census reports and historical sources, the author stresses that Jains represent less than one percent of India’s population and therefore form one of the smallest religious minorities in the country. Despite this numerical smallness, the essay emphasises that Jains have maintained a distinct religious identity for at least two millennia. Evidence from the Indus Valley civilisation through to the medieval period shows that Jainism predates Buddhism and grew alongside the early Hindu tradition. The author describes how Jainism flourished in various regions of India, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, and explains why its adherents gravitated towards princely states and urban centres, leading to a high degree of urbanisation. The article critiques census figures because many Jains historically identified themselves as Hindus in public records, yet concludes that even corrected figures indicate a tiny community. Sharma analyses the reasons for the community’s survival and influence, citing its strong organisational structure, commitment to education and commerce, and adherence to the vows of non‑injury, truthfulness, non‑stealing, chastity and limited possessions. The doctrine of syādvāda (the doctrine of conditional viewpoints) and the principle of anekāntavāda encourage acceptance of many perspectives and thus foster tolerance toward other religions and governments. Historically Jains cooperated with Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian and British authorities, supporting rulers through donations and services while preserving their own practices. The essay describes Jain contributions to architecture, sculpture, painting and trade, and notes that Jain merchants were pioneers of maritime and urban commerce. It underscores that, despite their small numbers, the Jain community has produced an impressive cultural legacy and exercised an influence disproportionate to its size. The author concludes that a combination of adaptive pluralism, economic acumen, education and strict ethical discipline has enabled Jains to survive as a vibrant minority while contributing richly to India’s social and cultural history.
Conclusion
The essay concludes that the Jain community’s historical resilience comes from a distinctive mixture of strict ethical discipline, economic enterprise and openness to multiple viewpoints. Although Jains comprise a tiny fraction of India’s population, their commitment to non‑violence, education, commerce and community organisation has allowed them to flourish in urban centres and maintain cordial relations with successive Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and British governments. The author argues that this blend of pragmatism and principled living explains why Jains have left such a notable cultural and artistic legacy and remain an important, if small, part of India’s religious mosaic.