Santhara is a religious ritual associated with which community in India?

Introduction / Context:
Santhara, also known as Sallekhana, is a religious practice that has been discussed in ethics, law, and religion debates in India. Understanding which religious community observes this ritual is important for questions on religion, culture, and legal issues in competitive examinations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about the religious ritual Santhara.
• We must identify the community with which this ritual is associated.
• The options list Sikhs, Jews, Jains, and Buddhists.

Concept / Approach:
Santhara or Sallekhana refers to a voluntary vow to gradually renounce food and liquids at the end of life, undertaken in a spirit of detachment and spiritual discipline. This practice is described in the religious and philosophical texts of Jainism. Therefore, to answer correctly, one must associate this term with the Jain community rather than with other major world religions that have different rituals and end of life practices.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Jainism places strong emphasis on non violence, renunciation, and control over desires.Step 2: Remember that Santhara or Sallekhana is discussed in Jain teachings as a ritual fast unto death under specific conditions, usually in old age or terminal illness, carried out calmly and with spiritual preparation.Step 3: Compare each option and note that there is no equivalent ritual commonly called Santhara among Sikhs, Jews, or Buddhists.Step 4: Conclude that the community associated with Santhara is the Jain community.

Verification / Alternative check:
Discussions in legal and religious studies clearly identify Santhara as a Jain practice that has been the subject of court cases and public debate in India. It is consistently connected with Jain scriptures and Jain monastic and lay traditions. This confirms that linking Santhara with the Jain community is accurate.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sikhs: Sikhism has its own distinct practices and beliefs, but Santhara is not part of Sikh religious ritual.
Jews: Judaism has ancient traditions and laws, yet there is no religious ritual called Santhara within Jewish practice.
Buddhists: Buddhism emphasizes non attachment and meditation, but the term Santhara specifically belongs to Jain religious vocabulary, not standard Buddhist ritual terminology.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may confuse Jainism and Buddhism because both originated in ancient India and promote non violence and renunciation. Without careful study, this can lead to guessing Buddhists as the answer. Another mistake is choosing Sikhs due to general familiarity with Sikh identity. To avoid such errors, it is important to remember that Santhara or Sallekhana is specifically linked to Jain religious practice and legal debates involving the Jain community.

Final Answer:
Santhara is a religious ritual associated with the Jain community.