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months of my research work. Hence, in this chapter I begin my discussion with the Indian
survey data and interview responses and conclude with the Jain diasporic responses.
Background of the Survey
The survey is comprised of thirty questions related to demographic information,
religion, diet, and views on a variety of socio-ethical and moral issues. The survey was
conducted among a convenience sample of 200 literate Indians settled in the metro cities
such as Kolkata, New Delhi, Jaipur as well as small towns in Rajasthan; I met these
participants during the course of my research through personal contacts and references.
They were both male and female adults from different social, economic, professional and
even religious backgrounds, although most were Jains.
I have organized the outcome of the survey around several themes derived from
the categories of Tulsian vows. However, before I present the survey findings, I will give
a demographic overview of the participants according to the data result.
Demographic Overview of the Participants
Out of 200 Indian respondents, there were 105 male and 79 females. Out of them,
44% fell between the ages 30-50; 25% were between the ages of 18-30; 18.5% were
above 60 years, and 12.9% were between 50-60 years of age. Among them, were 153
Jains, 35 Hindus, six Muslims, and one Sikh. Further, out of 153 Jains, there were 139
Terapanthis and 116 Anuvratis. In summary, of 200 respondents, the majority of
respondents were Terapanthis; out of 139 Terapanthis, there were 91 Anuvratis, which
means that little above 50% of the whole group was Anuvratis.
