JAIN POPULATION STUDY IN INDIA (SURVEY 2018) NEW DELHI DISTRICT International School for Jain Studies D-28, Panchsheel Enclave New Delhi – 110017 Email: [email protected] Website: www.isjs.in
CONTENTS v viiList of Tables ixPrefaceExecutive Summary 1 5Chapter 1: Introduction 13Chapter 2: Socio-economic background of the Respondents 19Chapter 3: Population Profile 25Chapter 4: Estimation of Jain Population in New Delhi district 29Chapter 5: Education and Occupational Structure 39Chapter 6: Inter-marriage, Drift and Jain IdentityChapter 7: Summary and Conclusion 45Appendix-I: Survey Questionnaire 46Bibliography
LIST OF TABLES P. No. 4Table 1.1: New Delhi district: Select census data, 2001 and 2011 5Table 2.1: Age and Gender Distribution 6Table 2.2: Marital Status 7Table 2.3: Education 8Table 2.4: Occupational Status 9Table 2.5: Income (Monthly) 10Table 2.6: Place of Birth 11Table 2.7: Length of stay in Delhi at the Present Address 13Table 3.1: Total population of New Delhi District 14Table 3.2: Family Size by Gender 15Table 3.3: Age and Gender Distribution 16Table 3.4: Distribution of Jain population by Age-categories 17Table 3.5: Dependency Ratios 17Table 3.6: Sex Ratio and Child Sex Ratio 18Table 3.7: Number of deaths and Migrants since February 2011Table 4.1: Jain population Growth since 1941 19Table 4.2: Persons/Families using Jain and others surnames as per Jain temple/sthanak 22directories 25Table 5.1: Education-wise distribution of Jain population 26Table 5.2: Occupational status by Gender 27Table 5.3: Monthly Income of the Jain population of New Delhi District
Table 6.1: Whether Aware of Inter-Marriage 30Table 6.2: Level of Awareness 31Table 6.3: Causes of Inter-Marriage 31Table 6.4: Support for Widow/divorcee remarriage 32Table 6.5: Number of boys and girls remaining unmarried beyond marriageable age out ofthe total population of New Delhi district at 514. 33Table 6.6: Number of Jain ascetics in India, 2016Table 6.7: Temple/Sthanak /Sadhu /Sadhvi Visit 33Table 6.8: Diet 34Table 6.9: Personal Habits 35Table 6.10: Eating Before Sunset 35Table 6.11: Way of Life 36Table 7.1: Select Demographic Indicators 36Table 7.2: Summary of Major findings 41 41vi
PREFACEInternational School for Jain Studies (ISJS) since its inception in 2005 has been involved inpromoting academic studies of Jainism in the universities of North America primarily and theworld generally. ISJS has also organized a series of national and international seminars onreligion and philosophy of Jainism, published books on Jains and Jainism.ISJS last year executed a serious of population-related studies in order to find out thepopulation dynamics of the Jain community which have been showing some disturbing trendsin regard to population growth rate, fertility rate, sex and child ratios etc. In this series thesurvey of the Jain population of New Delhi district is the second study. The first one was thatof Hauz Khas teshil published in December 2017. These studies are based on 2011 censusdata, voters list and our own field surveys of the Jain population. Our own vast engagementsand associations with different constituents of Jains in the district also played an importantpart in the actual survey. Overall it was a very satisfying experience, as we could approachalmost 100% of addresses listed in voter’s list and collect data for approximately 60-70% ofJains listed in Voters list.The findings of both the studies confirm the fact that Jain population in the two areas wasunder-estimated in 2011 census by a range of 60% to 100%. Besides populationcharacteristics a number of sociological characteristics were also discovered in the surveyswhich include drift away from Jain values and practice of ahimsa, daily visit to temple, daydining, marriage within the community, knowledge of Jainism and trade and business to justpractice of vegetarianism, more and more marrying outside Jain community, low level ofknowledge of Jainism and opting for profession over trade due to higher education obtainedin a co-educational non-Jain schools. The survey also suggests late marriage, too many notmarrying at all and shifting from rural to metro areas or going abroad for better economicopportunities.The above findings will have serious repercussions on Jain community as majority of theirtemples and heritage sites are in rural areas and being abandoned, declining Jain populationand loss of pride and hence drift away from temples and Sadhus-Sadhvis and the veryidentity itself and so on. The above findings are of immense use to Jain community and
academicians alike in order to take suitable corrective and constructive measures to addressthe above issues. Hence such survey studies are required to be done in other areas of India.I thank Shri N. Sugalchand Jain of Chennai, Dr. Abhay Firodia of Pune and Dr. Sulekh Jainof USA for their prompt financial and moral support to undertake this study. Without theirencouragement, this study might not have started. I also thank my team members, particularlyProf. Prakash C Jain, adviser Shri Dheeraj Jain and staff members Mr. Sushil Jana, Mr.Shivam Saxena and Miss. Jyoti Pandey for their tireless efforts in completing this study.Date: February 10th, 2018 Dr. Shugan C Jain Chairman International School for Jain Studies viii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThis is the report of a study undertaken regarding demography of Jains in New Delhi districtcomprising three tehsils, namely Connaught Place, Parliament Street and Chankyapuri. Majorfindings of the survey are as follows: 1. New Delhi district survey estimated the Jain population of the district at 1,082 persons in 2017 whereas the census-based figure was 689 for the same year. In other words, 2011 census underestimated the Jain population in New Delhi district by at least 60%. 2. Respondents profile: 81% are in age group 25-64, 98% have education at graduate or above level, 52% are in own business, 53% with family income of more than Rs 50,000 per month, 87% have been living at their address for more than 6 years. This implies that government servants not been covered fully due to their high mobility and redevelopment of Sarojani Nagar area. 3. Population characteristics: Sex ratio 992 per 1,000 males; child sex-ratio (0-6 age group) 500 per 1,000 male children. Family size is low at 3.72 average which implies lot of young members living away from their families for pursuing business or profession. 4. Education level: 82% Jain population is graduates and above with the rest accounting for illiterates to senior secondary education. 5. Occupation: own business 22%; profession and service 11%; students 38%. 6. Dependency ratio: Young Population 197 and Elderly population 210. 7. Income level: More than Rs 50,000: 23%; Rs 25,000-50,000: 10%. 8. Jain way of life: 100% reported a strong family tradition impacting their practice of Jain way of life that includes visiting temple (or Sadhus/Sadhvis). 9. Eating habits: abstaining from alcohol, day dining: 54% vegetarians and teetotalers. In contrast, only 12% strongly supporting taking food before sunset. These figures are, however, to be seen keeping respondents profile in mind. 10. Social values: Awareness and acceptability of marriage by choice of youngsters by 83% respondents with factors like non-availability of suitable match and co- education co-working accounting for 75% of responses as the reasons. 6.6% (age group 25-35+) reported single status. 11. Other factors of significance: Loss of pride in being a Jain reported by majority of young (25-40 age group) educated and well to do Jains (mostly women). Lack of religious education and exposure to Jainism during childhood, strong emphasis on celibacy and strict food habits by Sadhus and Sadhvis, and religious rituals being contrary to what Jainism preaches are some of the factors reported by
respondents causing drift and loss of pride amongst young Jains. However these could not be recorded in the forms for quantification and these are mostly based on individual discussions held during field work.12. Way forward: The report must act as an eye opener for all of us to take necessary action. Though the figures of the survey may be representative due to small area taken for pilot study but there is a strong need to validate these findings for many more such areas with different geographical and socio-economical profile to represent total Jain population. Further, there is a strong need to start the dialogue in the community to prepare Jains for 2021 Census and also appropriate actions for minimizing drift away from Jainism. x
Chapter -- 1 INTRODUCTIONThis survey report sought to analyze the declining Jain population and the increasing driftfrom Jainism in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). The need for such a sociologicalstudy emerged against the background of the 2011 Census data on religion which werereleased for the first time by the Government of India during 2016. In 2017 the InternationalSchool for Jain Studies (ISJS) put together these data on the Jain community in the form of abook titled “Population of Jains in India – a Perspective from the Census 2011”. The book,written by Shri Dheeraj Jain, is an authentic source of data on Jain population in India.The 2011 census data show both positive as well as negative aspects about the Jaincommunity. The positive one includes highest literacy among the Jains, better educationallevel, longevity of life and most urbanized population. On the negative side, the data clearlypoint out a declining Jain population, lowest fertility, 20-25% poor and illiterate Jains, lessernumber of daughters etc. In the context of the low growth of the Jain population, thefollowing issues seemed to need immediate detailed study and serious attention of the Jaincommunity as well scholars.Keeping these population trends in mind, the International School for Jain Studies decided tocheck the veracity of census data which have since long been considered as highly under-estimated figures about the Jain population.Hauz Khas Teshil StudyThe first pilot project to enumerate the Jain population within a specified area was carried outin Hauz Khas tehsil in South district in 2017. Accordingly, 1,123 Jain families were surveyedthat put the population of Hauz Khas tehsil at about 4,882 persons, almost evenly divided into50.5% males and 49.5% females. Average size of the family came to 4.3 persons. The agedistribution of the Jain population in Hauz Khas suggested relatively lesser number andproportion of young (15.4%) and more elderly population (17.9%). Accordingly, the burdenof supporting the elderly population segment vis-a-vis the young was relatively heavier onthe economically active population segment (15-59 year age group). Whereas the sex ratio(988 females per 1,000 males) was relatively good, the child sex ratio (0-6 year age group) at987 is even better in the area.The estimation of the Jain population of Hauz Khas tehsil was done by taking into accountthe following four different sources of information: (i) census data of 2011 pertaining to thetotal population of Hauz Khas tehsil, (ii) voters’ list of 28 wards in Hauz Khas tehsil, (iii) apilot sample survey based on about 75% of the total Jain families in Hauz Khas, and (iv)membership directories of select temples, sthanaks, terapanth bhawans etc. in Hauz Khastehsil.
FindingsThese sources reveal the following peculiarities: 1. As per 2011 census records, Hauz Khas tehsil had a population of only 5,448 Jains. 2. Voters’ list have names of only those persons who are 18 years or older which suggest a population of 6,210. 3. Our limited survey data of 1,123 families with mainly Jain surnames show the population of Hauz Khas tehsil around 4,882 persons. 4. An analysis of half a dozen directories of temples/sthanaks etc. tells us that about 15%-20% members of the Jain community use ‘other than Jain’ surnames such as Bhansali, Sethi, Khandelwal, Shah, Gandhi, Mehta, etc.By taking into account these factors, this study extrapolated the Jain population of Hauz Khastehsil at a number between 10,815 to 11,376 at 95% confidence level, which is 11,095. Inother words, “the total number of Jains estimated as per survey is over 100% more than thecensus 2011 figure. Even total number of Jains as per the voters’ list (Government of Indiadocument) is 82% more than the revised updated (for 2017) Census 2011 number, and is only6.2% less than the estimate based on our field survey. So, Census 2011 data on Jains appearto be too low”.Hauz Khas teshil population survey was truly a path-breaking study. Its major objective wasto check the veracity of census data regarding the total population of Jains and itscharacteristics in a small census area, i.e., tehsil – in our case, Hauz Khas of South Delhidistrict. While our survey positively validates some major population characteristics of theJain community such as age and gender structure, family size, sex and child sex ratios,literacy and educational levels, occupational structure etc., it raises serious doubts about thecorrect head-count of the members of the community. For a number of reasons, some Jains,particularly those who write ‘other than Jain’ surnames, are often registered as Hindus bycensus enumerators resulting in under-enumeration of the Jain community in census figures.In our study, this under-enumeration is in the vicinity of 100%.New Delhi District ProjectHaving successfully completed a Tehsil level project we decided to extend this project to aDistrict level for which New Delhi district was selected. Hence this project and the report.New Delhi is one of the nine districts of National Capital Territory of India. It is the centrallylocated district of Delhi. The district is dived in to three teshils: Connaught Place, ParliamentStreet and Chankyapuri. It consists of a number of clusters such as Janpath, Connaught Place,Parliament street, Kidwai Nagar, Sarojni Nagar, Golf Links, Lodhi Estate, Jor Bagh etc.New Delhi is a highly urbanized district. It is is inhabited by political, business andintellectual elites of Delhi. At the same time a wide range of central government employeesalso live and work in this area. There are a number of important sites to visit in New Delhidistrict: Page 2 of 49
Connaught Place - This is one of the most popular shopping centers of Delhi, which was built in the year 1931. This shopping center of New Delhi remains crowded with lively shoppers as they can find everything that they are looking for in this one place. The state owned departmental stores are located in Connaught Place. This shopping center, which is commonly known as C.P, is a must visit for the countless tourists and visitors of New Delhi. The famous Jantar Mantar is also located in Connaught Place. Parliament Street - This is one of the most important New Delhi Streets -- also known as Sansad Marg. The Parliament House of India is located in this street which accounts for the popularity of this Parliamentary. In 2011, New Delhi district had population of 142,004 of which male and female were 77,942 and 64,062 respectively. In 2001 census, New Delhi had a population of 179,112 of which males were 99,956 and remaining 79,156 were females. In the previous census of India 2001, New Delhi District recorded increase of 6.19 percent to its population compared to 1991. Comparative census-based data on total population of New Delhi district are giving in table1.1.Jain PopulationAs per census data there were 906 Jains (442 males and 464 females) in 2001 and only 679(318 males and 361 females) in 2011 showing a negative decadal growth rate of 25.6%.Other demographic characteristics of Jain population in New Delhi district as per 2011census are:Literacy Rate 97.21: Male Literacy 90.00%; Female Literacy 94.64%Sex Ratio 1,135Child Sex Ratio (0-6 year age group) 1,000Work Particaption Rate 47.86%: Male wpr: 70.07%; Female wpr: 27.42%Research MethodologyMore or less the same research methodology was used in this project which was used in theHauz Khas survey study. The questionnaire was same. Data were collected by ASUME – amarketing survey agency. As per voters list there were 805 Jains in the district living in 253families. Of these 138 Heads of Jain families were interviewed, giving the sample size ofabout 68%. In subsequent chapters the detailed findings of the survey are presented. Page 3 of 49
Table 1.1: New Delhi district: Select census data, 2001 and 2011Description 2011 2001Actual Population 142,004 179,112Male 77,942 99,956Female 64,062 79,156Population Growth 20.72% 6.19%Area Sq. Km 35 35Density/km2 4,057 5,117Proportion to Delhi population 0.85% 0.80%Sex Ratio (Per 1000) 822 792Child Sex Ratio (0-6 Age) 894 898Average Literacy 88.34 83.24Male Literacy 92.24 88.62Female Literacy 83.56 76.33Child Population (0-6 Age) 12,760 21,496Male Population (0-6 Age) 6,738 11,327Female Population (0-6 Age) 6,022 10,169Literates 114,179 131,196Male Literates 65,678 78,540Female Literates 48,501 52,656Child Proportion (0-6 Age) 8.99% 12.00%Boys Proportion (0-6 Age) 8.64% 11.33%Girls Proportion (0-6 Age) 9.40% 12.85%Page 4 of 49
Chapter -- 2SOCIO-ECONOMIC BACKGROUND OF THE RESPONDENTSThe chapter focuses on the socio-economic background of the respondents in terms of theirfollowing characteristics which include age, gender, marital status, education, occupation andlength of stay in New Delhi district.GenderThe majority of respondents are male (84.78%) and rest are female (15.22%).AgeThe age of the respondents in this survey ranged from 22 years to 92 years. As can be seenfrom the Table 2.1, 81.15% of the respondents are in the age group 25 to 64 years. Onlyabout 2.17% of respondents are under the age of 24 years. About 16.6% of the respondentsare of 65 years or over.Table 2.1: Age and Gender Distribution Age Group Total % Male % Female %< 24 3 2.17 2 1.71 1 4.7625-34 16 11.59 14 11.97 2 9.5235-44 22 15.94 20 17.09 2 9.5245-54 32 23.19 28 23.93 4 19.0555-64 42 30.43 39 33.33 3 14.2965-74 13 9.42 11 9.40 2 9.5275-85 9 6.52 3 2.56 6 28.5786+ 1 0.72 0.00 1 4.76No response 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 117 21 Total 138 - (84.78%) - 100 (15.22%) 45 40 Age & Gender Distribution 35 30 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75-85 Total 25 Male 20 Female 15 10 86+ No response 5 0 <24 Page 5 of 49
Marital StatusA great majority of respondents (81.88%) have been married compared to only 5.8% of thembeing unmarried/never married. The proportion of widows/widowers at 10.14% in our sampleis very high vis-a-vis 2011 census figure of 4.86% for Jains. The figure fordivorcees/separated (2.17%) is also high compared to 2011 census figure 0.35%.Table 2.2: Marital Status Marital Status Number % Male % Female %Unmarried 8 5.80 7 5.98 1 4.76Married 113 81.88 104 88.89 9 42.86Widow/Widower 14 10.14 3 2.56 11 52.38Divorce / 3separated 2.17 3 2.56 0 0.00Celibate 138 0.00 0.00 0.00No response 0.00 0.00 21 0.00 (15.22%) Total 117 - 100 - (84.78%) Divorce/separatedWidow/Widower 2% Celibate No response 0% 0%10% Unmarried 6% Married Unmarried 82% Married Widow/Widower Divorce/separated Celibate No response Marital Status - Total (in %) Page 6 of 49
EducationAn overwhelming majority (97.83%) of our respondents had graduation and/or highereducational qualifications. Two respondents -- both males were illiterate. All the femalerespondents had graduation and above educational qualifications.Table 2.3: Education Educational Number % Male % Female % Qualification 2 1.71 0 0Illiterate 0 1.45 2 0.00 0Upto Middle 1 0.00 0.85 0 0Upto S. Sec 0.72 1Graduate & 135 97.44 21 100Above 97.83 114 0.00 0No response 138 0.00 21 117 - (15.22%) 100 Total - (84.78%)140 Educational Qualification Total Male120 Female100 80 60 40 20 0 Illiterate Upto Middle Upto S. Sec Graduate & No response Above Page 7 of 49
OccupationAbout 52.17% of our respondents in New Delhi district do their own business. Another23.91% respondents mentioned service as their vocation. Expectedly, a significant majorityof women respondents (52.38%) manage their households followed by 42.86% of them whoreported other activities as their occupation.Table 2.4: Occupational StatusOccupation Number % Male % Female %Own Business 72 52.17 71 60.7 1 4.76Professional 1 0.72 1 0.9 0 0.00Service 33 23.91 33 28.2 0 0.00ManagingHousehold 12 8.70 1 0.9 11 52.38SeekingEmployment 0.00 0.0 0.00Others 20 14.49 11 9.4 9 42.86No response 0.00 0.0 0.00Total 117 21 138 - (84.78%) - (15.22%) 100 Occupation (in %) 20 0 Own Business Professional 0 Service 12 Managing Household Seeking Employment 72 Others No response 33 1 Page 8 of 49
IncomeAbout 53.62% of our respondents have reported their monthly income in the category of Rs.50,000+. About 29.29% of the respondents reportedly earn between Rs. 25,000 and Rs.50,000 whereas the percentage of respondents earning below Rs. 25, 000 is about 2.17%.‘Not Applicable’ category includes mainly house wives, students and non-pensioner elderlywhose proportion among women respondents is around 95.24% and among men about23.91%. About 4.76% women respondents reported Rs 50,000/- + as there income level.Table 2.5: Income (Monthly) Income (Rs.) Number % Male % Female %Less than25,000 3 2.17 3 2.56 0 0.0025,000 – 50,000 28 20.29 28 23.93 0.0050,000+ 74 53.62 73 62.39 1 4.76Not Applicable 33 23.91 13 11.11 20 95.24No response 0.00 0.00 0.00 138 117 21 Total - (84.78%) - (15.22%) 10080 Income7060 Total50 Male40 Female3020 50,000+ Not Applicable No response10 0 Less than 25,000 25,000 – 50,000 Page 9 of 49
Place of BirthAbout 76.81% of our respondents were born and brought up in Delhi itself. The rest came tolive in Delhi mainly from Rajasthan (15.94%) and Uttar Pradesh (3.62%).Table 2.6: Place of BirthPlace of Number % Male % Female %Birth (State)Delhi 106 76.81 90 76.92 16 76.19Gujrat 1 0.72 0 0.00 1 4.76Haryana 1 0.72 1 0.85 0 0.00MadhyaPradesh 2 1.45 2 1.71 0 0.00Rajasthan 22 15.94 18 15.38 4 19.05Uttar Pradesh 5 3.62 5 4.27 0 0.00No response 1 0.72 1 0.85 0 0.00 117 21Total 138 - (84.78%) - (15.22%) 100 Place of Birth90 Total80 Male70 Female6050 Gujrat Haryana Madhya Rajasthan Uttar No40302010 0 Delhi Pradesh Pradesh response Page 10 of 49
Stay at the Present AddressA vast majority of respondents (86.96%) have been staying at their present address for morethan six years, and about 12.32% of them for less than six years.Table 2.7: Length of stay in Delhi at the Present Address Length of Number % Male % Female % Stay (years)Less than 17 12.32 17 14.53 06Years 120More than 6 86.96 99 84.62 21 100years 1 0.72 1 0.85 0No response 138 117 21 - (84.78%) - (15.22%) 100 Total Duration of Stay Less than 6Years More than 6 years No response 1% 12% 87%Concluding RemarksA great majority of Jain respondents in New Delhi district are male (84.78%), married(81.88%), mature adults (90.57% in the 25-70 year age group), and very well educated(97.83% of them with graduate and above qualifications). Most of them run their ownbusiness (52.17%), or are into profession or service, with at least 53.62% of them earning Rs.50,000 plus per month. About 76.81% of the respondents were born in Delhi; great majorityof them staying at their present address for more than 6 years. Page 11 of 49
Chapter – 3 POPULATION PROFILEThis chapter presents the Jain population survey results of the New Delhi district area.Total PopulationTable 3.1 presents a population profile of the Jain community in New Delhi district. As perour survey, 138 respondents were interviewed giving a total Jain population of 514individuals (258 males, and 256 females). The female sex ratio comes to 992 per 1,000males. The average family size comes to 3.72 persons. The percentage of children in 0-6 agegroup at 5.25% is relatively low vis-a-vis other major communities as per 2011 census data.Table 3.1: Total population of New Delhi District District Number Male % Female % 0-6 Age % 514 258 49.81 5.25New Delhi 50.19 256 Group Total 27 Population Distribution Male Femal Child (0-6) 5% 48% 47%Family SizeTable 3.2 presents survey data about Jain family size in the New Delhi district. It is clearfrom the table that the largest number of families (30.43%) are 3-member units followed by4-member units (26.81%), 2-member (13.77%) and 5-member families (10.14%). These fourcategories of families account for over 81.15% of the Jain families in New Delhi district. Theaverage family size comes to 3.72 members. The family size in our survey ranges from singleto 11-members.
Table 3.2: Family Size by GenderFamily Member Total % Total % Male % Femal % e 1-Member Family 5.80 member 1.56 2-Member 13.77 7.39 7 2.71 8 5.80 3-Member 8 30.43 8 24.51 4-Member 19 26.81 38 28.79 19 7.36 19 13.77 5-Member 42 10.14 126 13.62 6-Member 37 6.52 148 10.51 65 25.19 42 30.43 7-Member 14 3.62 70 6.81 8-Member 9 2.17 54 4.67 75 29.07 37 26.81 9-Member 5 35 0.00 10-Member 3 0 24 0.00 34 13.18 14 10.14 10+-Member 0 0 0 2.14 0 0.72 0 100 25 9.69 9 6.52 Total/Average 1 100 11 138 514 17 6.59 5 3.62 11 4.26 3 2.17 0 0.00 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 5 1.94 1 0.72 258 100 138 100Age structure and Dependency RatiosTables 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5 present data on Jain population in terms of age, age group categoriesand dependency ratios respectively. Table 3.4 particularly summarizes the age-structure ofthe Jain community in New Delhi district: about 71% population being economicallyactive/adult, about 14% young and about 15% old. Comparative figures of the age structureof Jain population in India as per 2011 census data were as follows: 20.6% below 15 years ofage, 66.6% between 15-59 years and about 12.8% over 60 years of age (See Jain, Dheeraj2017:7).Dependency ratio gives the proportion of persons whom the persons in economically activeage group need to support. Dependency ratio can be divided into two parts: (i) youngdependency ratio, and (ii) old dependency ratio.Dependency ratio can be calculated as the number of persons in age group 0-14 plus thenumber of persons in age group 60 years or more divided by number of persons in age group15-59 years, and multiplied by 1,000.Dependency Ratio = Number of persons in 0 − 14 years + Number of Persons above 60 years X 1,000 Number of Persons in 15 − 59 age groupYoung dependency ratio can be calculated by number of persons in age group 0-14 yearsdivided by number of persons in age group 15-59, and multiplied by 1,000.Young Dependency Ratio = Number of Persons in 0 − 14 years X 1,000 Number of Persons in 15 − 59 age group Page 14 of 49
Similarly, old dependency ratio can be calculated by number of persons in age group 60+years divided by number of persons in age group 15-59 years, and multiplied by 1,000.Old Dependency Ratio = Number of Persons above 60 years X 1,000 Number of Persons in 15 − 59 age groupVarious dependency ratios are presented in Table 3.5. It is obvious from the table thatcompared to census data (597) dependency ratio is less (408) in the New Delhi district.Similarly, young dependency ratio is also low in the New Delhi district (197) compared to theJain national figure of 311. However, the old dependency ratio is higher in the case of NewDelhi district survey (210) compared to national average (187).Table 3.3: Age and Gender DistributionAge Categories Total % Male % Female % 0-4 16 3.11 10 3.88 6 2.34 5-9 26 5.06 16 6.20 10 3.91 10-14 30 5.84 15 5.81 15 5.86 15-19 19 3.70 7 2.71 12 4.69 20-24 52 10.12 26 10.08 26 10.16 25-29 35 6.81 14 5.43 21 8.20 30-34 48 9.34 19 7.36 29 11.33 35-39 40 7.78 22 8.53 18 7.03 40-44 39 7.59 19 7.36 20 7.81 45-49 45 8.75 25 9.69 20 7.81 50-54 43 8.37 20 7.75 23 8.98 55-59 44 8.56 28 10.85 16 6.25 60-64 36 7.00 21 8.14 15 5.86 65-69 13 2.53 7 2.71 6 2.34 70-74 13 2.53 5 1.94 8 3.13 75-79 8 1.56 3 1.16 5 1.95 80+ 7 1.36 1 0.39 6 2.34 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 No response 514 100 258 100 256 100 Total Percentage of Population in different age-group605040302010 0 Page 15 of 49
Table 3.4: Distribution of Jain population by Age-categoriesAge Categories Number % Male % Female % 0-14 72 14.01 41 15.89 31 12.11 15-59 365 71.01 180 69.77 185 72.27 60+ 77 14.98 37 14.34 40 15.63 0.00 0.00 0.00 No response 514 100 258 100 256 100 Total400 Total350 Male300 Female250200 15-59 60+ No response150100 50 0 0-14 Page 16 of 49
Table 3.5: Dependency Ratios Dependency Ratio National Jain (National) New Delhi district 2001 2011 2001 2011 Survey (2018) Dependency Ratio 408 Young Dependency 752 652 544 597 197 621 510 390 311 210 Ratio 131 142 154 187Old Dependency RatioSex and Child Sex RatiosThe sex ratio (number of females per 1,000 males) as per our survey is 992 which is a littlehigh compared to the NCT Delhi 2011 census data of 982, and much better compared to the2011 national Jain sex ratio of 954. The child (0-6) sex ratio at 500 is unexpectedly very lowin comparison to the 2011 New Delhi district census figure of 1135, and 2011 national Jainchild sex ratio of 889.Table 3.6: Sex Ratio and Child Sex Ratio Census/Survey Year Sex Ratio Child (0-6 Years) Sex Ratio2001(National Jain Data) 940 8702011(National Jain Data) 954 8892011 (NCT of Delhi) 942 8532011 (New Delhi district) 1135 1000Survey 2018 (New Delhi district) 992 500 Sex-Ratio and Child Sex-Ratio15001000 954 942 1135 992 889 853 1000 500 500 0 Sex Ratio 2011(National Jain Data) Child (0-6 Years) Sex Ratio 2011 (New Delhi district) 2011 (NCT of Delhi) Survey 2018 (New Delhi district) Page 17 of 49
Table 3.7: Number of deaths and Migrants since February 2011 Deaths Number % Migrants 16 3.11Immigrants 9 1.75 72 14.01 N=514 As per our survey Jain population profile of the New Delhi district is as follows: Total population 514, number of families 138, family size 3.7 persons, young population 14%, elderly population 15%, economically active population (15-59 years) 71%, sex ratio 992 per 1,000 males, child sex ratio (0-6 years) is 500.Concluding RemarksOur survey data suggest the total Jain population in New Delhi district at 514 persons, andnumber of families at 138. The gender distribution appears to be almost even with 50.19%males and 49.81% females. Jain family size comes to 3.72 persons. That over the decadesthere has been a tendency towards smaller/nuclear family is borne out by the fact that in 1981census an average household size was 5.87.The age structure of New Delhi district population is as follows: young population under 14years of age (14%), economically active adult population (15-59 years) 71%, elderlypopulation (60+) 15%. The dependency ratio for the young in our survey is low, whereas thedependency ratio for the old is high. In other words, the burden of supporting the youngpopulation on the economically active segment (15-59 years) is a little less than that ofsupporting the old population. The sex ratio in New Delhi district at 992 is better than the all-India Jain average of 954, but the child sex ratio at 500 is very low than the national averageof 889. Our survey data also reported 16 persons dead, 9 migrants and 72 (14.01%) asimmigrants. Page 18 of 49
Chapter – 4ESTIMATING THE NUMBER OF JAINS IN NEW DELHI DISTRICTThis chapter attempts to extrapolate the total population of New Delhi district by takinginto account the following 4 sets of data: (i) Census data of 2011, (ii) Data from thevoting list, (iii) Our survey data and (iv) Data from resident welfare directories, templedirectories etc. Before we do so, let us have a look at census data on Jains.Table 4.1: Jain population Growth since 1941Census Total Jain % of total % Decadal % Decadal Remarks year population in population growth- Jain growth- total population population Excl Assam lakhs Excl J & K 24.711941 14.4 0.37 15.81 21.41 Ethnical 26.05 revival by1951 16.18 0.45 11.67 Jains1961 20.27 0.46 25.171971 26.00 0.47 28.481981 32.06 0.48 23.171991 33.52 0.40 4.422001 42.25 0.40 26.0 22.662011 44.51 0.37 5.41 17.72Figures reported in the above table raise questions about percentage of Jain population asof total population of India which averaged around 0.42% (excluding 1991 and 2011 thatalso seem to be under reported); decadal growth rate of 22.2% (excluding 1991 and 2011where the same were reported as 4.42%and 5.41% respectively). Another feature ofCensus 2011 was that 28.67 lakh people did not report any religion. The Jains must haveat least a proportional share in this category.This report is in continuation of our earlier report on Hauz Khas tehsil. We conducted asimilar study to what was done in Huaz Khas tehsil for New Delhi district for thefollowing reasons:1. Proximity to Hauz Khas tehsil.2. District wide study as New Delhi is a small district with Jain population of only679 (negative decadal growth rate of 25.06%) with overall growth of Jains in Delhi at 7.6%3. Areas where Jains live in this district can be categorized as Government employees in Sarojani Nagar and vicinity, government flats/quarters at other places and private Jains concentrated in Todarmal Lane and Babar Road, Raja Bazar-Hanuman Road.
4. Government employees account for almost 50% of Jain population and is highly mobile as their stay depends on postings by the government to different places. 5. New Delhi districtland is mostly used for Government offices, residences for Government ministers, employee, political parties and commercial establishments.ConstraintsIt is a complicated process to estimate exactly the number of Jains living in New Delhidistrict due to the following reasons: a. A large number of Jains, particularly in government service, are likely to be transferred every three years or so. A large redevelopment exercise in vogue in Sarojani Nagar is causing displacement of government employees elsewhere, making it difficult to trace Jains and others listed in Voters list. b. Non-government employee Jains living in New Delhi belong to trading and business community. They have been living for ages here and their younger folks are now shifting to new areas in Delhi and elsewhere. Hence the population was reported as decreasing in Census 2011. c. Because of the spatial spread of New Delhi district in clearly identified purpose orientation, it became difficult to locate new Jains. Also there are four temples in the district which are now scantly visited. Therefore 100% survey, though aimed at in the beginning, became a difficult exercise. We, however, tried to cover at least 50-60% of Jain households to determine their actual numbers with a confidence level of 95% or above along with the socio-demographic data associated with Jains. d. Data of deaths, births, immigration and emigration of Jains from New Delhi district is based primarily on Field survey. e. Even though a number of attempts were made earlier to enumerate Jains in New Delhi district, yet results of all such surveys are not available readily. Most of them aimed at preparing Sect or caste oriented directories with head of the family particulars. We did try hard and were able to collect some field survey data and estimates. f. A large number of Jains were hesitant to respond to our survey out of fear of being seen as drifting from Jainism or loss of privacy of family information in spite of our assurance for strict adherence to confidentiality and non-disclosure of personal information even in writing.MethodologyA two-pronged strategy was used to collect data for analysis and estimation as follows. a. Collection of existing data Voters list: Comprehensive and almost complete up to date data of adult Jains could be extracted from available voters list of New Delhi district.(Appendix IV) b. Field Survey A field survey form that is, Questionnaire consisting of 25 items/questions was used for data collection. Data were collected by outsourced agency by home visits.Approximately 50% complete data (Jain households listed in Voters list) was Page 20 of 49
collected by the above methods to cover as many families as possible. This report isbased on this survey.DATA COLLECTED FOR NEW DELHI DISTRICTI. Number of Jains as per Voters list.Number of Jain Household addresses : 253Number of Jains : 805II. Number of Jains as per Census 2011 : 679 Jains (318 males, 361females)Ratio of non-adult Jains to adult Jains as per Census 2011: 0.37:1.00III. Actual field survey by ISJS and external agency Jain addresses 138 Number of Jains 514Other details of data that could not be procured or not applicable in Jainpopulation estimation are given below: Reason No of addresses No of Jains Premises locked 3 Refused to give data 15 Shifted (no one there) 83 Shift reported 7 22 Deaths 16 Migrated 9 Not traceable 4Total households visited/contacted for data collection is 138+3+15+83+4 = 253DATA ANALYSISI. Published data collecteda. Census data 2011:Jain population in New Delhi district : 679 Jains (318 males and 361 females)b. Voters list:The list contains data of adult Jains (over the age of 18) who are eligible to vote(updated data published by government was used for elections for Delhi assembly in2015).Jain population in New Delhi district : 805 JainsJain Households in New Delhi district : 253Average number of adult Jains per household : 805/253 = 3.18Average number of Jains including non-adults per household: 3.18*1.37 = 4.35(Census 2011 gives 27% below18years of age giving a factor 1.37 to come upwith total population)c. DirectoriesNone available except that of Lodhi Road Jain temple. Page 21 of 49
Table 4.2: Persons/Families using Jain and others surnames as per Jaintemple/sthanak directoriesTemple Number of Jain Number of Jain Total households households not using using Jain as surname Jain as surnameLodhi Road 145 22 167Based on the above, the ratio of total number of Jains to Jains using Jain as theirsurname comes to 167/145 or 1. 15d. Field Survey:Analysis of data collected reveal:Jains who participated in the survey and provided dataTotal Jain Households 138Total Jains 514 (258 male, 256 female)Data not collected Reason No of addresses No of Jains Premises locked 3 Refused to give data 15 Shifted (no one there) 83 Shift reported 7 22 Deaths 16 Migrated 9 Not traceable 4Total households visited for data collection:138+3+15+83+7+4 = 253Actual data collected % of total 138/253 = 54% as per Voters list All Jains surveyed use Jain surnames except two heads. This is so as we surveyedon the basis of Voters list having Jain surnames. We shall use the same ratio as inHauzKhas(a ratio of total Jains to those using Jain as their surname as 1.145) 72 Jains were not listed in Voters list, so these are new immigrants in New Delhidistrict. Jain population in New Delhi estimated for surveyed households = 514 Average Household size as514 /138= 3.72 as against 4.33 as per Voters listESTIMATION OF JAIN POPULATION IN NEW DELHI DISTRICTThree different methods shall be used to estimate the likely total number of Jains in NewDelhi district. These are discussed below. a. As per Census 2011 Census figure of 679 * 1.0(even though in New Delhi is decrease of 25% for 2001 to 2017) =679 b. As per Voters list Page 22 of 49
Total number of Jains as per voter’s list 805 * 1.15 factor for non-Jain surnames(same as in HauzKhas) * 100/82(to include non-adult Jains) = 1,127 c. As per Survey Mean or average family / household size = AVG =3.72 with standard deviation of 1.64 The mean /average size limits for a confidence level of 95% = 3.72+/- 0.14 or 3.86 to 3.54. Estimated likely Jain population AVG*1.15*253= 1,082 Estimated number of Jains for 95% confidence interval Lower limit = Number of households as per voters list *AVGL* factor for including non Jain surnames = 3.54 * 253*1.15 = 1,041 Upper limit= Number of households as per voters list *AVGH* factor for including non Jain surnames = 3.86*253*1.15 = 1123 Basis Actual Estimate Estimate limits @ 95% 679 ( 2017) Confidence Census 2011 679 1041-1123Voters list Field 1,127 survey 1,082Thus total number of Jain estimated as per survey is 60% more than the census 2011number adjusted for 2017 with no growth even though a decline of 25% as per censuswas reported. Even total number of Jains as per the Voters list (Government of Indiadocument) is 54% more than Census 2011 number and is 17% less that estimatebased on our field survey. So census 2011 data of Jains appears to be too lowCOMMENTSa. There is a very large difference in Jain population data even from the two government sources, namely Census 2011(730 adjusted for decadal growth) and Voters list (1,127 adjusted for non-adult population and Jains with non-Jain surname). The estimates based on our field survey and Voters list data are almost similar. The difference can be assigned to the use of average household size and assumption for non-adult Jain population.b. The above estimates of Jain population is in contrast to -25.7% for New Delhi.c. A lot of qualitative information, not recorded in the forms, was also gathered; e.g. social habits like teetotaler, Jain girls married to non-Jains even though practicing Jainism and yet did not want to be listed as Jains, some Jains did not want to be listed as Jains at all and collecting information about children and deaths in the family by us.. Field survey agency hired focused on visit to homes and could not collect this information as well as they met a number of Jain families who did not wish to give Page 23 of 49
information. They also met a number of addresses from where Jains have migrated elsewhere as told by the neighbours ( 64)d. We also talked to a number of Jain community leaders, as well as the experience of our team members, to estimate the number of Jains in New Delhi district.e. We have planned to use one survey form for one address. If there are multiple floors, we have kept them as separate addresses. However in some cases, a joint family lived which mentioned all the members as on one form only (particularly Raja Bazar Area).f. We feel that New Delhi district continues to have equal number of Jains involved in trade/business and government service.g. Immigration and emigration: Our survey shows a large number of Jains on transferable jobs of Government of India coming to New Delhi. We also feel a similar number also go back i.e. emigrate from New Delhi on transfer.h. Voter list data was selected only for those voters who use Jain as their surname.i. Jains using Jain as surname and not reporting religion as Jain during Census survey.j. Jains using non-Jain surnames and not reporting religion as Jain during Census survey.k. Census Surveyors not visiting Jains and hence not reported (It is highly likely). Census Surveyors visiting Jains and reporting Hindu as religion (likely for those using non-Jain surnames). Page 24 of 49
Chapter – 5 EDUCATION, OCCUPATION AND INCOMEThis chapter analyses the survey data on the educational and occupational structure andincome levels of the Jain community in New Delhi district in terms of their gendercomponents.EducationThe 2011 census data on the Jain community had revealed that of all the religiouscommunities the Jains were most literate and highly educated community. Thus the Jains hadfour to five times more graduates/post-graduates (25.6%) than other major religiouscommunities of India. Our survey data fully confirmed this trend whereby over 82% of theNew Delhi district Jain population had graduate and post-graduate educational qualifications.Women are found to be almost equally qualified (Table 5.1). An unfortunate part of the NewDelhi district survey however is the fact that 5.6% of the Jain population in New Delhidistrict is illiterate.Table 5.1: Education-wise distribution of Jain population Educational Level Total % Male % Female % Illiterate 29 5.64 20 7.75 9 3.52 28 5.45 15 5.81 13 5.08 Upto Middle 19 3.70 9 3.49 10 3.91Upto Senior Secondary 422 82.10 209 81.01 213 83.20 16 3.11 5 1.94 11 4.30 Graduate & Above 514 100 258 100 256 100 No response Total450 Educational Level400350300250 Total Male200 Female150100500 Illiterate Upto Middle Upto Senior Graduate & No response Secondary Above New Delhi district Jain community is very well educated, engaged in own business, professional occupations and other services. About 38% of the Jain population consists of students in schools, colleges and universities.
OccupationFor the past half-a-century or so the Jains have been not only the most literate but also themost educated community with the result that a large number of them have been bigentrepreneurs, industrialists, engineers, medical doctors, lawyers, accountants, ITprofessionals, business managers, college and university professors and bureaucrats, etc.Against this background, the New Delhi district survey data reveal a well-defined patternwith more than 43.4% of the Jain respondents running their own business, followed byservice sector (18.6%) employees and professionals. About 26.46% of the Jain population,mostly women, claimed “managing household” as their occupation. The Jain studentpopulation in New Delhi district appears to be quite large (37.94%), consisting of both malesand females.Table 5.2: Occupational status by Gender Categories Total % Male % Female %Own Business 113 21.98 112 43.41 1 0.39 Professional 2 0.39 1 0.39 1 0.39 56 10.89 48 18.60 8 3.13 Service Managing 136 26.46 2 0.78 134 52.34 Household Seeking 195 0.00 92 0.00 103 0.00Employment 12 37.94 3 35.66 9 40.23 Student 514 2.33 258 1.16 3.52 No response 100 100 256 100 Total Occupation 2% 22% Own Business38% 0% Professional 11% Service Managing Household Seeking Employment 27% Student No response 0% Page 26 of 49
IncomeOver 23% of the total Jain population of New Delhi district can be classified in the categoryof Rs. 50, 000 plus income bracket. About two-thirds of the Jain population in the area fallsin the categories of “not applicable” and “no response”. All the Jain female population in thearea is included in these categories, indicating there house- wife status.Table 5.3: Monthly Income of the Jain population of New Delhi District Income (Rs.) Number % Male % Female %Less than25,000 3 0.58 3 1.16 0 0.0025,000 – 50,000 47 9.14 41 15.89 6 2.3450,000+ 119 23.15 115 44.57 4 1.56Not Applicable 327 63.62 94 36.43 233 91.02No response 18 3.50 5 1.94 13 5.08Total 514 100 258 100 256 100 Income Level350 Total300 Male250 Female200150 25,000 – 50,000+ Not Applicable No response100 50,000 50 0 Less than 25,000Concluding RemarksAs per our survey New Delhi district Jain community appears to be very well educated with43% of its males members engaged in their own business and about 18.6% in service andprofessional occupations. With almost 38% of the total Jain population engaged in studies,the student segment in the community appears to be significantly sizeable. Income-wise thepopulation also appears to be well-off. Page 27 of 49
Chapter – 6 INTER-MARRIAGE, DRIFT AND JAIN IDENTITYThis chapter highlights the inter-relationship between inter-marriage, drift and Jain identity,and their impact on the lower rate of Jain population growth and vice-versa. It can behypothesized that the lower rate of population growth and consequently the unavailability oflife partners not only increases the possibility of inter-marriage and drift but also dilutes thekey elements of the typical and traditional Jain identity primarily based on Ahimsa. Whilefurther analysing the relationship it would be useful to clarify the meaning and background ofthe terms intermarriage, drift and Jain identity.Inter-Marriage in the case of Jain means inter-religious marriage, namely Jain-Hindu, Jain-Sikh, Jain-Christian, Jain-Muslim etc. There has been a long practice of inter-religiousmarriages between Jain and Vaishnav Hindus in Delhi, Western Uttar Pradesh and majortowns and cities of North India. In recent times such marriages have not only increased innumber, they have also extended to include various other castes/sub-castes of Brahamins,Khsatriyas, and even non Vaishnav Vaishyas. Given the scenario it should not be surprisingthat a majority of respondents (53.6%) are aware of this phenomenon (Table 6.1).Unfortunately, the same cannot be said regarding the awareness level of respondents aboutthe lesser number of girls in 0-6 year age group. Only about 45% of our respondents areaware of the fact that there is a shortage of 111 girls in the 0-6 year age group among theJains as per 2011 Census data (Table 6.2).Delhi survey data attempts to find out the causes of inter-marriage for Jain boys and girlswhich are summarised in Tables 6.3. About 51.45% of the respondents attribute co-education/co-working as the major cause of inter-marriage. These data represent onlyopinions of respondents, and have nothing to do with the extent of inter-marriages within thecommunity. Although there is no empirical evidence to suggest the outcome of suchmarriages for the community, as far as the Jain population dynamics is concerned they can beconsidered as the “gone cases” even in the cases of Jain boys marrying non-Jain girls thenumber of persons who have not responded to this question is surprisingly large (44.93%).DriftIn the context of the Jain population it implies that in Census enumeration Jains are countedas Hindu resulting in lower estimate of the Jain population. In the words of census report ofIndia, 1931, “In respect of Jains it is always doubtful whether the numbers recorded are reallyaccurate as many return themselves as Hindus. Sometimes there is no uniformity about thispractice so that the comparative figures of Jains and Hindus are always liable to a certainamount of disturbance by influences which cannot be gauged statistically.” (Census of India,1931, Vol 9 (Bombay Cities), Part 1, p.11). Later on during the late 1940s Americansociologist and demographer Prof. Kingsley Devis wrote that “there is some evidence that the
Jains are losing some members who drift in to Hinduism” (Davis, 1951: 189). A number ofsubsequent authors on Jain population and demography have noted and discussed thisphenomenon in their writings (see Sangve 1980; Jain, M.K. 1975, 1986; Jain, Prakash C.2011). The cause of drift is not difficult to find. The Jains, in spite of Jainism being a separatereligion, are often regarded as Hindu Vaishyas in the framework of the Hindu Varna-Vyavastha. It is further confounded by the fact that in certain parts of India, as alreadymentioned above, the inter-marriage between Jains and Hindu Vaishnav Baniyas is generallyaccepted. All this often prompts census enumerators to return the Jains as Hindus.The drift has been a reality with the Jain census enumeration since the very first systematiccensus taking in 1881. This was confirmed by the sudden growth of Jain population duringthe decade 1991-2001 by over 26% as compared to only that of 4.4% during 1981-91 and5.4% during 2001-2011. This happened due to a vigorous campaign launched by the Jainethnic press as well as the Jain leaders since the early 1990s. Estimatedly, by this processabout six lakh persons had “Returned” to the Jain-fold in 2001.Table 6.1: Whether Aware of Inter-Marriage Question Yes % No % No response % 62 44.93Are you aware that Jainsare marrying outside theircommunity? 74 53.62 2 1.45 Total 138 Aware about inter-religious marriage in Jains (in%)6050403020100 No No response Yes Page 30 of 49
Table 6.2: Level of Awareness Level of Yes % Number No % TotalAwareness 62 44.93 No % responseShortfall of 14 10.14 62 44.93 138Girls in thecommunity Awareness about Shortfall in the Jain Community50 Awareness about Shortfall in40 the Jain Community3020 No No response10 0 YesTable 6.3: Causes of Inter-Marriage in case of boys and girls Causes Number %1. Lower level of Education 1 0.722. Not finding suitable match in 3 2.17 the community 71 51.453. Co-education/co-work 1 0.004. Financial Expectations 62 0.725. Strict Adherence to Jainism 138 44.93 100.00 No response Total Page 31 of 49
Causes of Inter-Marriage in case of boys Lower Level of Education44.93 0.27.217 Not finding suitable match 0.702 in the community 51.45 Co-education/co-work Financial Expectations Strict Adherence to Jainism No responseTable 6.4: Support for Widow/divorcee remarriage Question Yes % NO % No response %Do you support 0.72 0 0widow/divorcee 137 99.28 1remarriage? 138 Total Support for Widow/divorcee remarriageNo response No Support for Widow/divorcee remarriage Yes 0 20 40 60 80 100 120New Delhi district Jain respondents follow a moderate and relaxed Jain way oflife. They recognize the importance of inter-religious marriages of young menand women through co-education and co-working within the Jain community.They strongly support widow/divorcee remarriage. Page 32 of 49
Table 6.5: Number of boys and girls remaining unmarried beyond marriageable age outof the total population of New Delhi district at 514. Age Group Number of Unmarried % Male % Female % (Years) persons 34 66.67 17 62.96 17 70.8325-30 531-35 12 9.80 0 0.00 5 20.8335+ 51Total 23.53 10 37.04 2 8.33 100 27 100 24 100Jain IdentityJain identity is basically derived from their religion that is, Jainism. Over the centuriesAhimsa has emerged as the fundamental creed of Jainism. And for all practical purposes theJain identity and the way life has often been underlined by Ahimsa-driven practices:vegetarianism, teetotalism, eating before sunset and not to eat and drink things that causeHimsa. More often than not, the Jain identity and the way of life is reduced to onlyvegetarianism.The religion-derived Jain identity has both short-term and long-term impact on the Jainpopulation dynamics. To take up the long-term impact first, it can be argued that “thehistorical evolution of Jainism as a stereological religion and that of its followers as a majortrading community is directly responsible for its contemporary population dynamics andpredicaments. In other words, the emphasis on ahimsa and other ethical values enshrined inJainism led to the Jains’ historical evolution as a trading community which in turn led them toemerge as a relatively affluent community. This affluence is directly associated with the lowfertility rate in the Jain community” (Jain, Prakash C. 2014: 85).Apart from this long-term impact, there are a number of short-term impacts of Jain asceticismon the Jain population growth:1. Due to emphasis on celibacy in Jainism, the number of tyagis (renouncers) of various spiritual gradations is on the rise during the past few decades.Table 6.6: Number of Jain ascetics in India, 2016 Sect Acharya Sadhu Sadhvi Total % of TotalMurtipujak(s) 295 2,382 7,836 10,218 62Sthnkavasi (s) 16 696 3,319 4,015 25Terahpanth (s) 1 166 548 4 95 722 738 712 9 Digambar 407 3,966 12,439 1,460 100 Total 16,405 Page 33 of 49
The existence of 16,405 ascetics in the community in 2016 means, one ascetic for apopulation of 270 Jains (Table 6.6).2. The socio-religious discouragement of widow and divorcee remarriage directly contributes to the decline in Jain population. Until about the middle of the twentieth century the ban on widow remarriage was considered by scholars a major factor in the slow growth of Jain population (Davis 1951, Sangave 1980). Fortunately, the number of widows among the Jains has gone down sharply by the late twentieth century, but that of the divorcees is now on the rise.3. The controversial practice of bal-deeksha (child initiation) among certain sects/sub- sects of Jains has also been a contributory factor in the slow growth in Jain population.Religious ideologies/identities are often conceptualised in terms of bi-polarity: conservativevs liberal, orthodox vs heterodox, etc. Thus Hinduism is generally considered as liberal andthe Islam as conservative. Jainism can also be characterised by a very high degree ofasceticism and orthodoxy. The Jain identity and the way of life get shaped accordingly, and isa matter of choice and practice. Thus for example, an empirical study of Jains inBundelkhund found the Jain way of life as highly orthodox in terms of daily visit to temple,vegetarianism, eating before sunset etc. (Jain, Prakash C. 2015). Our New Delhi districtsurvey data appears to be suggesting a moderate and flexible way of life on all the indicatorsexcept the vegetarian diet which can be regarded as more or less an absolute and universalindicator of Jain identity (see Tables 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 and 6.10). In the case of “eating beforesunset”, more than one-third of the respondents considers the practice as “not relevant inpresent times”. Incidentally, a considerable number of respondents have not responded toitems about Jain way of life in our questionnaire.Emphasis on the orthodox Jain way of life prompts most Jains for religious endogamy whichwhen not actualised due to a number of factors such as sect/sub-sect/caste endogamuy, gotraexogamy, skewed sex ratio and other factors discussed above forces the potential brides orgrooms for either remaining unmarried or go for inter-religious marriages. In either case theJain population growth is hampered.Table 6.7: Temple/Sthanak /Sadhu /Sadhvi Visit Visit Number % Male % Female %Regular 7 5.07 6 5.13 1 4.76Occasional 70 50.72 55 47.01 15 71.43No response 61 44.20 56 47.86 5 23.81 138 100 117 100 21 100 Total Page 34 of 49
Table 6.8: Diet Number % Male % Female % 75 54.35 60 51.28 15 71.43 Diet 2 1.45 1 0.85 1 4.76Vegetarians 61 44.20 56 47.86 5 23.81Others 138 100 117 100 21 100No response Total Diet 80 60 40 Total Male 20 Female Female Male 0 Vegetarians Total Others No responseTable 6.9: Personal Habits Personal Number % Male % Female % HabitsTeetotaller 72 52.17 56 47.86 16 76.19Others 3 2.17 3 2.56 0 0.00No response 63 45.65 58 49.57 5 23.81 138 100 117 100 21 100 Total Personal Habits120 Others Total100 Male Female 80 60 No response 40 20 0 Teetotaller Page 35 of 49
Table 6.10: Eating Before Sunset Opinion on Eating before Number % Male % Female % Sunset 2 1.45 2 1.71 00Strongly Support 26 18.84 24 20.51 2 9.52Support with flexibility 49 35.51 35 29.91 14 66.67Not relevant in present times 61 44.20 56 47.86 5 23.81No response 138 100 117 100 21 100 Total Eating Before Sunset70 Total60 Male50 Female4030 Support with Not relevant in No response20 flexibility present times10 0 Strongly SupportTable 6.11: Way of Life Influence on way of life Number % Male % Female % Family Tradition 134 97.10 113 96.58 21 100 Jain Agam 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0 Sadhu / Sadhvi 1 0.72 1 0.85 0 0 All of the above 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0 None of the above 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0 No response 3 2.17 3 2.56 0 0 138 100 117 100 21 100 Total Way of Life1201008060 Total Male40 Female200 Family Jain Agam Sadhu / All of the None of the No response Sadhvi Tradition above above Page 36 of 49
Concluding RemarksThis chapter is mainly based on the opinions of the respondents on certain issues pertainingto marriage and Jain identity which have repercussions on Jain population dynamics. Thechapter underlines the crisis in marriage in the Jain community, and at the same time thegrowing importance of inter-religious marriages. The respondents cleanly emphasized theemergence of “love marriage” or marriage by personal choice through co-education and co-working as the preferred mode of marriage among the Jains. The respondents also appearedto be following for themselves a moderate and relaxed Jain way of life befitting of life in ametropolitan city. In fact, orthodox Jain way life, except vegetarian diet has clearly beenrejected. Page 37 of 49
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