Hinduism statistics + examples

Question 1

How many people in India are considered “untouchable”?

Answer 1

160 million

Question 2

how many of all poor Indians and illiterate indians are Dalits (untouchables)?

Answer 2

90% of all poor Indians and 95% of all illiterate Indians are Dalits

Question 3

How many crimes against Dalits (untouchables) are there a year?

Answer 3

Over 25, 000 crimes against Dalits were reported per year, however most crimes go unreported

Question 4

how many indian people believe in Hinduism?

Answer 4

Hinduism is the belief system of approximately 85% of Indian people. There are approximately 863 million followers worldwide, of which India has 810 million

Question 5

What is the Maha Kumbh Mela (great container of celebration)?

Answer 5

It’s the most important festival that takes place on the Ganges. It occurs ever twelve years and attracts millions of people from all over the world. The month long celebration represents a time when the river is believed to turn into purifying nectar, allowing the pilgrims to cleanse their souls as they bathe. This festival is celebrated by everyone regardless of class, creed or religion.

Question 6

What is one of the affirmative action policies for those in a lower caste?

Answer 6

a quota system for uni entrance that is governmentally mandated

Question 7

How many households have access to satellite TV?

Answer 7

25% of Indian Hindu households have access to the Star TV channel, with access to western soaps, films and music videos.

Question 8

what are the Sociologist Kanter’s four trends that influence the process of globalisation?

Answer 8

• Mobility: money, ideas + people move more freely across traditional borders. Mobility is linked with cheaper travel + improved means of communication - Hindus can travel more easily, absorbing new cultures. the internet + sat TV allow access to non-traditional ideas
• Simultaneity: communication systems now allow new consumer goods, technology + cultural innovations to be introduced at the same time in different places.
• Bypass: Because of the many ways of communication, it is more difficult for traditional authorities to maintain control of the ideas Hindu people receive.
• Pluralism: Dominant cultures are not so dominating anymore.

Question 9

What is Om?

Answer 9

Om is both a visual and an aural symbol of representing Brahman. This symbol encompasses the whole universe.

- It represents the sense of Hindu ideology and is used in meditation, prayer and yoga and even when Brahman enters and individual’s thoughts.
- Its shape represents God’s power, which is responsible for the creation, development and dissolution of the universe.

Question 10

What is the arya samaj movement?

Answer 10

A movement established in the 1800s that aims to restore Hinduism to the equitable and ethical belief system with a focus on reevaluating a woman’s role in society. It advocates for reforms on child marriages, arranged marriage and education for women