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References: Faiths of South Asia

  1. Religion in India: Tolerance and Segregation - Pew Research Center (2021) - A major survey of nearly 30,000 Indian adults of every large faith. It shows both shared beliefs (such as karma) and the ways communities keep apart, and it is the source for this chapter's survey findings.

  2. Population growth and religious composition in India - Pew Research Center (2021) - Explains India's census religion figures from 1951 to 2011, including the 79.8% Hindu and 14.2% Muslim shares, and where each group lives.

  3. Hinduism - The Pluralism Project, Harvard University - An introduction to Hindu traditions with essays and a timeline, written for readers of any background and attentive to how Hindus describe their own faith.

  4. Sikhism - The Pluralism Project, Harvard University - A clear introduction to Sikh history and practice, with a timeline from Guru Nanak's birth in 1469 through the compiling of the Guru Granth Sahib and the founding of the Khalsa.

  5. Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha - UNESCO World Heritage Centre - The official listing for the Buddha's birthplace in Nepal, a pilgrimage site since the time of Emperor Ashoka.

  6. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya - UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Describes the site where Buddhists believe the Buddha attained enlightenment, and the history of its temple.

  7. Churches and Convents of Goa - UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Covers Goa's historic churches, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus with the tomb of St. Francis Xavier.

  8. Kumbh Mela - UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage - The 2017 listing for the great Hindu pilgrimage festival held in rotation at four Indian cities, with a short video.

  9. 7th Population and Housing Census 2023: National Census Report - Pakistan Bureau of Statistics - The official report. Table 4.13 gives the 2023 religion counts (Muslims 96.35%, Christians 3,300,788, Hindus 3,867,729, Scheduled Castes 1,349,487, Ahmadis 162,684). Large PDF.

  10. Census of Population and Housing 2024: press release - Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka (2025) - The official first results of Sri Lanka's 2024 census, including religion: Buddhists 69.8%, Hindus 12.6%, Muslims 10.7%, Roman Catholics 5.6% and other Christians 1.3%. PDF.