Religion & Economic Growth and Development

This paper deals with the interlinkages between religious beliefs and practices and the economic growth and development of a particular country or region. In the paper I have reviewed some empirical work carried out in the recent times to explain the relationship between religion and growth. I have also tried to present Adam Smith's view on the subject and how it could be understood in the present context. The paper ends with a case study of the state of Gujarat in India, which shows the relationship between religious riots and economic growth.