Hinduism

According to the Census 2011, Hinduism is the majority religion in Haryana, with 87.46% of the state's population identifying as Hindus. This makes Hindus the predominant religious group in the state.

Breakdown of the religious population in Haryana as per Census 2011:

• Hinduism: 87.46% of the population (approximately 22.17 million people)
• Islam: 7.03% of the population (approximately 1.78 million people)
• Sikhism: 4.91% of the population (approximately 1.24 million people)
• Christianity: 0.20% of the population (approximately 50,353 people)
• Buddhism: 0.02% of the population (approximately 7,514 people)
• Jainism: 0.21% of the population (approximately 52,613 people)
• Others: 0.18% of the population (approximately 44,760 people)

Why Hinduism is the majority religion:

• Historical and cultural context: Haryana has deep cultural and historical roots tied to Hinduism, being a state in Northern India where Hinduism has long been the dominant religion. The state's rich history and religious diversity within Hinduism (with many temples and sacred sites) further solidify this majority.

• Geographical proximity: Haryana shares borders with states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab, where Hinduism is also the most widely followed religion.

Comparative Analysis with Other Religions:

• Islam: Islam is the second-largest religion in Haryana, constituting 7.03% of the population. The Muslim population in Haryana is mainly concentrated in districts like Mewat and Yamunanagar, where the Meo Muslim community is prominent.

• Sikhism: Sikhism holds the third-largest share of the population at 4.91%, and it is particularly significant in the districts that border Punjab, such as Sirsa, Fatehabad, and Ambala. Haryana has the second-largest Sikh population in India, after Punjab.

• Christianity and Buddhism: These religions make up a very small percentage of the population in Haryana (less than 1% each), with Christians predominantly found in Gurugram and Buddhists in Panchkula.

Hence, Option C Is Correct.

Hinduism

According to the Census 2011 data for Haryana, Hinduism is the predominant religion in the state. The religious composition is as follows:

1. Hinduism – 87.46% of Haryana's total population practice Hinduism. This is the largest religious group in the state, contributing to more than 87% of the total population. The majority of Hindus in Haryana follow various traditions, such as Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and others, and participate in many Hindu festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Dussehra. The state is also home to numerous temples and spiritual practices.

2. Islam – Islam is the second-largest religion in Haryana, with 7.03% of the population identifying as Muslims. The Muslim population is concentrated in certain districts, especially in areas like Mewat, where the Meo community is prominent. Mewat and parts of Yamunanagar are particularly Muslim-dominated areas in Haryana.

3. Sikhism – Sikhs constitute 4.91% of the population in Haryana. The Sikh community is mainly concentrated in the districts adjoining Punjab, such as Sirsa, Hisar, and Fatehabad. Haryana has the second-largest Sikh population in India, after Punjab. The state government of Haryana has made provisions for the registration of Anand marriages under specific rules in 2014, which is an important aspect for Sikhs in the state.

4. Christianity – Christians account for 0.20% of Haryana’s population. The majority of Christians are concentrated in urban areas, especially in districts like Gurugram, which has a small Christian community.

5. Jainism – Jainism, though a minority religion in Haryana, has a higher literacy rate compared to other communities, with 0.21% of the population adhering to Jainism. The Jain community is known for its emphasis on education and non-violence, and they can be found in districts like Gurugram.

6. Buddhism – Buddhists constitute 0.02% of the population, a very small portion of Haryana’s religious makeup. The state’s Buddhist population is primarily in urban areas, like Panchkula.

7. Other religions – There is also a small percentage of people who practice other faiths, accounting for 0.18% of the population.

Hence, Option C Is Correct.

Nuh

According to the Census 2011, Nuh district in Haryana has the highest percentage of the Muslim population, with 79.20% of its total population identifying as Muslim. This makes Nuh the district with the largest Muslim concentration in the state.

• Muslim Population: As of Census 2011, Nuh has a Muslim population of 79.20%. This is a significant majority in a state like Haryana, where Muslims as a whole make up about 7.03% of the total population.
• Historical and Social Context: Nuh, located in the southern part of Haryana, is home to a large community of Meo Muslims, a group with a long history in the region. The Meo community has roots going back several centuries and has traditionally been the dominant Muslim group in this district.
• Geography: Nuh is part of the Mewat region, which spans parts of Haryana and Rajasthan. This area is known for its strong Muslim presence, with a majority of the population in several surrounding towns and villages identifying as Muslim.

Comparison with Other Districts:

• Gurugram: While Gurugram (formerly Gurgaon) is a prominent urban center and has a diverse population, the percentage of Muslims there is relatively low compared to Nuh. Gurugram is known for its urban development and has a larger proportion of Hindus and other communities.

• Sirsa: Sirsa is a district with a notable Sikh population (about 26.17% of the population) and a smaller Muslim community. It does not have the highest Muslim population percentage in Haryana.

• Hisar: Like Sirsa, Hisar has a large Hindu population and a smaller Muslim community, with Muslims constituting around 6-7% of the total population, far less than Nuh's 79.20%.

Why Nuh Has the Highest Muslim Population Percentage:

• Historical Significance: The Muslim population in Nuh (part of the Mewat region) has been historically significant. The Meo Muslim community in this region is one of the oldest Muslim communities in Haryana and has maintained a strong demographic presence in the area for centuries.
• Cultural Identity: The community in Nuh has preserved its distinct cultural, religious, and social practices. Over time, this has contributed to Nuh's dominance in terms of Muslim population percentage within Haryana.

Hence, Option B Is Correct.