NonHindus

Non-Hindus is a sociological and demographic label used to refer to people who do not identify as Hindu. It appears in academic writings and, in some contexts, in official data to describe the non-Hindu portions of populations within Hindu-majority regions. It is not a religious denomination or a single cohesive community.

The term encompasses a broad spectrum of beliefs and identities. Non-Hindus include adherents of Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and other faiths, as well as followers of folk or indigenous traditions and individuals with no religious affiliation. Some people may culturally associate with Hindu regions or practices without practicing Hinduism, or identify with multiple traditions. The label therefore denotes diversity rather than a unified group.

Geographically, the term is most often used in India and surrounding areas where Hinduism is prominent, but it also appears in discussions of diaspora populations worldwide. In such contexts, Non-Hindus are studied as a demographic category that intersects with questions of religious freedom, minority rights, education, and social interaction. Despite the common geographic emphasis, the experiences and practices of Non-Hindus vary widely across communities and individuals.

Scholarly and policy discussions treat Non-Hindus as a descriptive category rather than a self-identified or monolithic group. Identities can be fluid, with some people embracing multiple religious or secular identities. The term primarily serves to acknowledge religious diversity within broader societies where Hinduism is influential.