There are approximately 20 million Sikhs in India.
Detailed answer to your inquiry
As an expert in the field, I can confidently state that the number of Sikhs in India is estimated to be around 20 million. Sikhism, a monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century in the Punjab region of India, has a significant presence in the country.
Sikhs are known for their distinctive appearance, with many men wearing turbans and keeping beards as a symbol of their faith. The teachings of Sikhism promote social equality, justice, and selfless service, which have greatly influenced Sikh communities across India.
To provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Sikh community, let me share some interesting facts and a quote on the topic:
-
Historical significance: Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of Sikhism, laid the foundation of Sikhism in the late 15th century. His teachings of love, compassion, and equality have stood the test of time.
-
The Golden Temple: The Harmandir Sahib, commonly known as the Golden Temple, is the holiest shrine for Sikhs. Located in Amritsar, Punjab, it attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world each year.
-
Contribution to society: Sikhs are known for their selfless service and generosity. They actively participate in humanitarian efforts, such as providing langar (free community meals) in gurdwaras, running hospitals, educational institutions, and engaging in various charitable initiatives.
-
Sikh warriors: Sikhs have a long history of courage and bravery. They played a significant role in various battles, including the defense of India against foreign invasions. The Sikh regiment is one of the most revered and decorated military units in the Indian Army.
-
Sikh festivals: The Sikh calendar is filled with vibrant festivals and celebrations. Baisakhi, the birth anniversary of Khalsa (the Sikh community), is one of the most important festivals celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm across India.
Quote: “I see no difference among humans. All beings are the same; none is blessed or wretched.” – Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Table showcasing the approximate Sikh population in different states of India:
| State | Sikh Population |
|---|---|
| Punjab | 19,600,000 |
| Haryana | 147,000 |
| Rajasthan | 109,000 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 89,000 |
| Delhi | 61,000 |
| Maharashtra | 51,000 |
| West Bengal | 47,000 |
| Bihar | 43,000 |
| Uttarakhand | 32,000 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 26,000 |
| Other states (combined) | 460,000 |
Please note that these numbers are approximate and may vary based on different sources and methodologies. However, they provide a general outlook on the distribution of the Sikh population in India.
In conclusion, the Sikh community in India is a vibrant and integral part of the country, with an estimated population of around 20 million. Their contributions to society, emphasis on equality, and rich cultural heritage make them an essential aspect of India’s diverse fabric.
Video answer to your question
The Punjabi community has had a historic involvement with the Indian army due to religious and historical reasons. Sikh militarization began in the 16th century after Mughal emperor Jahangir ordered the execution of Guru Arjan. The Sikh army, known as the Khalsa, was a formidable opponent to the British during the Anglo-Sikh wars, and the British recognized the skill and training of the Khalsa soldiers. However, the number of Punjabis in the Indian army has declined due to various factors such as changing government policies, the Green Revolution, and drug abuse. Although Punjab still contributes significantly to the Indian army, it is important to create better employment opportunities for the youth in the state.
Other answers to your question
24 millionIn total, there are around 26 million Sikhs worldwide, and over 24 million of these live in India. Outside of India, the largest Sikh populations are mostly found in former territories of the British Empire – the UK and Canada both have Sikh populations of over half a million people.
I’m sure you will be interested
What percentage of Indians are Sikh? 1.72%
Population. India’s Sikh population stands at 20.8 million, which is only 1.72% of the country’s total population. Out of approximately 25-30 million Sikhs in the world, the majority of them, 20.8-22 million, live in India that is about (83.2%-84.1%) of the world’s Sikh population.
Similar
Then, What country has the most Sikhs? Demographics
- Sikhs number about 26-30 million worldwide, of whom 24–28 million live in India, which thus represents around 90 percent of the total Sikh population.
- Canada is home to the largest national Sikh proportion (2.1 percent of the total population) in the world.
Keeping this in consideration, How many Sikh are in America?
In reply to that: American Sikhs number around 200,000 people (estimates vary from 78,000 to 1,000,000) and account for 0.1% of the United States population as of 2021, forming the country’s sixth-largest religious group.
Are there more Sikhs or Hindus in India? According to the 2011 census, 79.8% of the population of India practices Hinduism, 14.2% adheres to Islam, 2.3% adheres to Christianity, 1.7% adheres to Sikhism, 0.7% adheres to Buddhism and 0.4% adheres to Jainism.