Jainism, one of the oldest religions of the world, found its philosophy, rituals and ethical code in the teachings of Lord Mahavira, the twenty-fourth tirthankara of Jainism. Though its reach was confined only to the Indian subcontinent for more than two-and-a-half millennia, from the twentieth century onwards, it made its presence felt across the globe, mainly in the US, the UK, Europe, East Africa and Nepal, and in smaller numbers in many other parts of the world, through its diasporic population. This book thus profiles the salient demographic as well as sociological features of the Jain communities in India and abroad. The Jains have been a minority community consisting of less than 1 per cent of Indian population in modern times. The current population of the Jains is estimated around six million. Its diasporic communities consist of about 300,000. Despite its miniscule size, the community s contributions to the Indian society in different realms are quite commendable, be it education, trade and commerce, politics or in running and efficiently managing charitable institutions. Other demographic features include its high literacy rate, lowest infant mortality rate and appreciable sex ratio (954 in 2011). Their approach and attitude towards all living beings stand tall among all religious communities of the world. The book further features other socio-religious aspects of the Jain community along with its way of life, social identity, organizational features such as sects, castes, kinship, family and marriage, food, festivals and pilgrimage, Jain associations, and status of contemporary Jain women. The economic and political status of the Jains, their inter-ethnic relations, and the Jains historical and civilizational contribution to Indian culture and society are also vividly addressed. It navigates scholars and researchers to a wide range of areas in Jain studies for further researches. CONTENTS Preface to the Second Edition Preface to the First Edition List of Tables List of Plates 1. The Jains Origin and Growth of Jainism History of Jainism Sects in Jainism Jain Social Organization Jain Associations Life-Cycle Rituals Food, Festivals and Pilgrimage Jains’ Contribution to Indian Culture and Society Concluding Remarks 2. Jain Way of Life Jain Philosophy Jain Metaphysics Jain Ontology Doctrine of Karma Jain Epistemology Jain Ethics Sectarian Monastic Organization The Jain Way of Life: Diasporic Context Concluding Remarks 3. Jain Population and Demography Population Size and Growth Rate Regional Distribution Concentration in Ten States/Union Territories Districts with Major Concentration of Jain Population Urbanization Age and Gender Structure Jain Elderly Population Sex and Child Sex Ratios Marital Status Literacy and Education Work Participation and Occupation Caste Categories Concluding Remarks 4. Jain Diaspora and Its Linkages with India Diaspora Defined Indian Diaspora Jain Diaspora Diaspora-Homeland Linkages Concluding Remarks 5 Status of Jain Women Religious Status “Jain Law” and Women Social Status Economic Status Political Status Demographic Status Concluding Remarks 6 Towards a Sociology of the Jain Community Population Dynamics Social Identity Social Organization Economic Status Minority Status Political Status Dualistic Organization Religious Ethic Segmental Orientation Weberian Debate on Jainism Inter-ethnic Relations Conceptual Frameworks Conclusion Appendix I Letter to the Prime Minister of India Requesting the Enactment of Separate Jain Marriage Act Appendix II Prominent Jain Public Figures Religion/Spiritualism Politics/Administration/Social Work Business/Entrepreneurship Literature and Journalism Jainology/Education/Science/Teaching Entertainment Sports Glossary Bibliography Visuals Subject Index Name Index