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Religion
The total population of the state consists of Hindus,
Muslims and Jains. Zorastrians or Parsis can also be seen in
Gujarat.
Aryans are now commonly recognised as Hindus. The
immigration during the medieval period brought Islam and Zoroastrianism
to Gujarat and initiated the growth of a multi-religious society. The caste system is strictly followed by the Hindus
of Gujarat.
Besides the 'Brahmins' and the 'Banias' whose functions and
occupations are fairly well determined, the community of 'Patidars' owning
land is the strongest force in the economic and political life of the
state.
Various Hindu traditions like Shavism and Vaishnavism
which sprang upon the mainland were imbibed by Gujaratis who trace their
lineage from the Gurjars which in turn developed its own galaxy of saints
and devotees and its own art and culture. The Kutchis, the natives from
the peninsula of Kutch are both Hindus and Muslims.
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