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Demography |
India is the world’s second most populous country (after China), with a population of nearly 1.07 billion people, and a gender ratio of 933 females to 1000 males. Nearly one-fourth of the population lives in urban areas. Twenty-three cities in India have a population exceeding one million people, and three cities - Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi - have populations exceeding 10 million people. According to the National Council of Applied Economic Research data, nearly one-fourth of India’s people live in poverty; most of them in rural areas. Only 65.4% of the people can read and write an Indian language and perform simple mathematics. At the national level, literacy levels are 54.2% (women) and 75.9 % (men).
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| Languages |
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Hindi is the national language of India, but there are in all eighteen officially recognized languages. Besides the recognized languages, there are as many as 180 minor languages and 7000 dialects, adding to India’s linguistic diversity. English is recognized under the Constitution as an additional official language and as the authoritative legislative and judicial language of the Union of India. English is commonly spoken in most urban areas, almost certainly in all metropolitan cities, and is used by business and social elite throughout the country, and is often the only common language between persons from different parts of India. |
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| Religions and caste |
Hinduism is the predominant religion in India, practiced by over 80% of the population. The other important religious denominations include the Muslims (13.4%), Christians (2.3%), Sikhs (1.9%), Buddhists (1%), with Jains and Zoroastrians making up the balance. However, the Constitution grants all citizens of India the right to freedom to practice any religion as a fundamental right. India also has a centuries-old caste system (a hierarchy of classes among people and communities based on their trade/ occupation), which still remains a part of the Hindu social fabric, even though the Constitution does not distinguish citizens by social classes. In order to provide equitable growth opportunities for all, several government programmes are targeted for the benefit of deprived and backward castes, which in a way officialize the caste system. However, in daily life, the castes system interferes much less in urban areas than in rural areas. |
| Social Traditions |
Enormous diversity exists in food habits, social customs and traditions in different parts, particularly between the northern and southern parts of India. Marriages and festivals are the most important occasions for social gatherings, celebrated with much fanfare all over India. The joint family is a strong institution in most parts of India, and it is normal for sons to stay with their parents even after marriage. However, the structure is beginning to dissipate, with job opportunities leading to migration and resettlement in other cities, eventually creating smaller, nuclear families. Divorces and live-in relationships are becoming more visible in cities although attitudes toward them are generally non-neutral.
Foreigners may also like to note a few essential facts about Indian social customs: |
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Non-vegetarian food habits, drinking and smoking are considered unacceptable to some groups, especially the Brahmins, and are not generally allowed in religious places or during festivals. |
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The cow enjoys a special status among the Hindus. Beef consumption is banned in most parts of India. |
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The traditional Indian greeting, especially for women, is to fold hands before the other person. However, it is increasingly customary for urban women to shake hands with men, especially in business situations. Kissing on the cheek is still not popular, though gradually becoming a practice in the urban upper classes. Public display of affection continues to attract curious interest. |
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Among Hindus, a vermilion dot on a woman’s forehead indicates that she is married. |
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ICREON