Jainism has a strong presence in India, where it originated and has been practiced for thousands of years. According to the 2011 census of India, there were over 4 million Jains in the country, making up approximately 0.4% of the population.
Jains in India are concentrated in several states, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka. Each of these states has a significant Jain population and is home to many important Jain pilgrimage sites and temples.
Jains in India follow a strict code of conduct and ethics, which includes the practice of non-violence towards all living beings, strict vegetarianism, and various forms of spiritual contemplation and meditation. Jains in India have a rich tradition of literature, philosophy, and art, including intricate and ornate temple architecture and sculpture.
Some of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites in India include Palitana in Gujarat, where there are hundreds of temples on a hilltop, and Shikharji in Jharkhand, which is believed to be the site where the 24th Tirthankara, Lord Mahavir, achieved enlightenment.
Overall, Jainism has had a profound impact on Indian culture and society, and continues to be an important and vibrant religious tradition in the country.