Kerala has a
reputation of being, communally one of the most tolerant states in
India. According to 2011 Census of India figures, 54.73% of Kerala's
residents are Hindus, 26.56% are Muslims, 18.38% are Christians, and the remaining 0.32% follows other religion or no religion. Apart from there is presence of Jainism, Budhism and Judaism.
Hinduism
Apart from being the third largest religion in the world, Hinduism is also one of the main religions followed in Kerala. Nearly half of the population of Kerala comprises of Hindus. The state contains a long list of ancient and sacred temples dedicated to different Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Nambudiri, Nair, Ezhava, and other Dalit castes form the major population of Hindus in Kerala.
Islam
It is believed that of Islam set its foot in India through Kerala. The Arabs of the Middle East came here for trade and settled here at the coastal areas. Kerala has the oldest mosque in the country. Majority of the Muslim population lives in the coastal areas of central and northern Kerala, especially in Malappuram district.
Christianity
It is believed by the Syrian Christians that St. Thomas visited Kerala in 52 AD and established 7 churches in the region. In 3rd and 4th centuries, a large number of Jewish Christians from Middle East came to the state. Portuguese who arrived in 15th century introduced Latin rites. Few centuries later, missionary movement during British rule brought Protestantism. At present, there are five different branches of Christianity in Kerala.
Apart from being the third largest religion in the world, Hinduism is also one of the main religions followed in Kerala. Nearly half of the population of Kerala comprises of Hindus. The state contains a long list of ancient and sacred temples dedicated to different Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Nambudiri, Nair, Ezhava, and other Dalit castes form the major population of Hindus in Kerala.
Islam
It is believed that of Islam set its foot in India through Kerala. The Arabs of the Middle East came here for trade and settled here at the coastal areas. Kerala has the oldest mosque in the country. Majority of the Muslim population lives in the coastal areas of central and northern Kerala, especially in Malappuram district.
Christianity
It is believed by the Syrian Christians that St. Thomas visited Kerala in 52 AD and established 7 churches in the region. In 3rd and 4th centuries, a large number of Jewish Christians from Middle East came to the state. Portuguese who arrived in 15th century introduced Latin rites. Few centuries later, missionary movement during British rule brought Protestantism. At present, there are five different branches of Christianity in Kerala.
Sikhs
Kochi
is home to the Punjabi speaking Sikh community in Kerala as the coastal
city has the most number of Sikhs in the south Indian state. Many of
the Kerala's Punjabi Sikh community are in the automobile spare parts
industry. The only Gurudwara in Kerala is also located in Kochi. Every
Sunday and Wednesday, the Sikh families of Kochi assemble at the
gurudwara in the city. And after the prayers, they take food from the
Guru Ka Langar, the community kitchen. The first waves of Sikh migration
to the city date back to the first two decades of 20th century.
Sikhs numbered 3,814 Cochin Sikhs
Buddhism
It is believed that Buddhism flourished in Kerala during the period of 650-850 AD. There are various ancient statues and idols in the state showing the importance of Buddhism in Kerala. However after 8th century, the religion started fading and completely disappeared by 11th century. There is significant impact of Buddhism in temples of Kerala where we can see the influences of Buddhist art and literature. Few sctttered presence is still there. Buddhists numbered 4,752.
Jainism
Jainism was brought by Chandragupta Maurya to the south in 3rd century BC. There is an ancient Jain temple known as Jainmedu in Vadakkanthara village, near Palakkad. Currently, Jainism is restricted to only a small population of Kerala, which mainly consist of Marwari business community settled in Kochi and Calicut. Jains 4,489 Jainism in Kerala
Judaism
It is believed that spice traders brought Judaism to Kerala, in 7th century. According to Jews of Cochin, following the destruction of Second Temple of Jerusalem, a considerable population of Jews relocated themselves to Kerala. With passing of centuries, the population of Jews decreased considerably and at present, there are only few Jews left in Kerala.
Buddhism
It is believed that Buddhism flourished in Kerala during the period of 650-850 AD. There are various ancient statues and idols in the state showing the importance of Buddhism in Kerala. However after 8th century, the religion started fading and completely disappeared by 11th century. There is significant impact of Buddhism in temples of Kerala where we can see the influences of Buddhist art and literature. Few sctttered presence is still there. Buddhists numbered 4,752.
Jainism
Jainism was brought by Chandragupta Maurya to the south in 3rd century BC. There is an ancient Jain temple known as Jainmedu in Vadakkanthara village, near Palakkad. Currently, Jainism is restricted to only a small population of Kerala, which mainly consist of Marwari business community settled in Kochi and Calicut. Jains 4,489 Jainism in Kerala
Judaism
It is believed that spice traders brought Judaism to Kerala, in 7th century. According to Jews of Cochin, following the destruction of Second Temple of Jerusalem, a considerable population of Jews relocated themselves to Kerala. With passing of centuries, the population of Jews decreased considerably and at present, there are only few Jews left in Kerala.
Today, only six Paradesi Jews remain here; most are in their 80s and only one is of child-bearing age. Cochin Jews
There are atheists and Dinkoists(Dinkoism) as well.
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