Tag: Jainism diet

Long before modern vegetarianism, a 2025 study on Australopithecus fossils revealed our distant hominin ancestors lived almost entirely on a plant-based diet. Beyond these early origins, several ancient civilizations and philosophical movements incorporated meat-free diets for ethical, spiritual, and philosophical reasons.

According to a 2021 Pew Research Center study, eight-in-ten Indians limit meat in their diets due to religious traditions. The answer to "What religions aren't allowed to eat meat?" varies significantly, with some faiths mandating strict vegetarianism while others have specific animal prohibitions or optional dietary guidelines.

With India hosting the largest vegetarian population in the world, the question of what is the religion of vegetarians in India is common. While Jainism requires strict vegetarianism, the practice among Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs varies, with cultural and regional factors playing a significant role.