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JAINISM ... 75 number of heavens but there is no doubt that there are other worlds besides this which the soul has to pass throgh before final liberation. But if the atheists are those who deny the absolute authority of the Vedas, the Jains in company with the Moslems, the Christians and the Brahmos will have no doubt to be styled as atheists! In fact, the Jains can under no circumstances be called Nastiks (in a derogatory sensa.)
Transcribed from Mr. Apte's Marathi Lecture on Jainism.
Latest Population figures of. Major religions Communities
( In 1951 & 1961)
1951
1961
Hindus
30,35,75,474
36,65,02,878
Muslims
3,54,14,284
4,69,39,357
Christians
83,92038
1,07,26,350
Buddhists
1,80,323
32,50,227
Jains
16,18,406
Sikhs
20,27,267 78,45,170
62,19,134
Others
18,48,224
16,06,964
Total
36,10,88,090
43,92,34,771