For demography-based questions, it is useful to remember the approximate order of religious populations in India: Hindus (>79%), Muslims (~14%), Christians (~2.3%), Sikhs (~1.7%), Buddhists (~0.7%), and Jains (~0.4%).
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question requires knowledge of the demographic distribution of religious minority groups in India. The most reliable source for this information is the Census of India. Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
According to the 2011 Census of India, the population percentages of the minority groups listed are as follows:
- Muslims: 14.2%
- Christians: 2.3%
- Buddhists: 0.7%
- Jains: 0.4%
Comparing these figures, the Jain community constitutes the smallest percentage of the population among the given options. Step 3: Final Answer:
Based on the 2011 Census data, Jains are the smallest minority group among the choices provided.