The Cultural Impact of the Dual Religion of Hinduism and Jainism on the Marwaris of Siliguri

Abstract

The Marwaris are a trading community that originated from the Marwar region of Rajasthan and have migrated to different parts of India and other neighbouring countries to pursue trading and business. A significant population of Marwaris have settled down in Siliguri, a potential trading hub in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. A few of them have also migrated to the neighbouring country of Kathmandu in Nepal to expand their business. Though Hinduism is their predominant religion, a minority of the population has taken up Jainism in this region. The study focuses on the impact of dual religion, especially Hinduism and Jainism, on Marwaris of Siliguri. The cultural practices, rituals, art, food, language and music reflect Hindu traditional ideologies and values and give space to Jainism to be included within it. The study is qualitative in nature, which highlights the similarities and dissimilarities that these religions have on Marwari culture and how it contributes to the identity of an individual. The study focuses on how the Jain minority Marwaris are coping with the Hindu majority Marwaris in both spaces.