Origins of Hinduism

Explore the mysterious origins of Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest and most diverse religions. In ancient India, Hinduism’s origins were woven through a complex tapestry of Vedic traditions and cultural evolution.

The origins of Hinduism are shaped by centuries of spiritual exploration and the contributions of sages and thinkers, from the hymns of the Rigveda to the philosophical insights of the Upanishads

This meta-description invites you to delve into the historical and philosophical dimensions of the genesis of Hinduism and trace its evolution through the ages. Discover the synthesis of various beliefs, rituals, and sacred texts that form the foundation of Hindu thought. From the concept of dharma to the quest for moksha, the origins of Hinduism invite reflection on the deep and enduring aspects of this ancient and living religious tradition.

Origins of Hinduism

Historical Facts	Origins of Hinduism
Indus Valley Civilization	Possible early roots of Hinduism; archaeological findings suggest religious practices.
Vedic Period	Vedas, the oldest sacred texts, are composed; Vedic rituals and hymns shape early Hindu practices.
Upanishadic Period	The development of philosophical ideas in the Upanishads; the emergence of concepts like Brahman and Atman
Epics and Puranas	Mahabharata and Ramayana were composed, contributing to Hindu mythology; Puranas were written to explain Hindu cosmology.
Classical Period	Mahabharata and Ramayana composed, contributing to Hindu mythology; Puranas were written to explain Hindu cosmology.
Medieval Period	British colonial rule impacted Hindu society; Hindu reform movements sought to address social issues.
Colonial Period	Bhakti and Sufi movements influence Hinduism; temples and devotional practices gained prominence.
Modern Period	Bhakti and Sufi movements influenced Hinduism; temples and devotional practices gained prominence.

Introduction

The origins of Hinduism can be traced to the Indus River Valley of the Indian subcontinent and the people who lived there. Hinduism is one of the oldest religions and there is evidence of the existence of Hinduism dating back 4000 years. By 1500 BC, Hinduism had already reached a high state of philosophical and religious development, which it maintains up to the present day. What has come to be called the Hindu faith, tradition or religion is the result of a rich mixture of human civilization, including many different practices and expressions of religious life. Many religious cultures that spoke many languages ​​and held many different ideas about the nature of divinity contributed to its development and evolution. There is a huge variety of practices and beliefs in Hinduism. So defining Hinduism is challenging. Three other Indian religions—Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism—have their roots in Hinduism and are closely related both historically and conceptually. Unlike many other religions, Hinduism cannot be traced to a single founder, a single scripture, or a generally agreed-upon set of teachings. During its long history, there have been contributions by many eminent personalities who had different teachings and different philosophies and who wrote many holy books. Some authors therefore think that Hinduism is a way of life or a family of religions rather than a single religion.

Definition of Hinduism

(1) The term Hinduism has historically been used to identify people with a geographical and cultural connection to South Asia or who were indigenous to that region. Only later did it become a religious identifier. In the 16th century, the term began to be used to refer to people living in the subcontinent who were not Turks or Muslims. It is believed that at the time the term may have simply referred to groups that shared certain cultural practices such as cremation of the dead and their styles of cuisine. A more accurate and widely used term to describe this belief system is Sanatan Dharma or Hindu Dharma. Sanatan means eternal, ever-present, universal, and constant; Dharma is harmony, compassion, truth, or natural law. Sanatan Dharma means the eternal path that never begins or ends. Sanatan Dharma places spiritual experiences above religious matters and cultural practices. The term Hindu is believed to be derived from the name of a river or river complex in northwestern India, the Sindhu. Sindhu is a Sanskrit word used by the people of the region. Other groups that arrived in the land used the name in their languages ​​for the land and its peoples.

(2) Although defining Hinduism is a challenge, it is correct to state that Hinduism has its roots in India. Most Hindus have a core set of sacred scriptures known as the Vedas and share a common system of values ​​known as dharma. Due to the antiquity of Hinduism, as well as its inclusiveness and acceptance of diverse expressions and beliefs, a vast array of philosophical doctrines and dogmas have developed. This led to the creation of other biblical texts such as the Upanishads, the Puranas, the Ramayana, the Bhagavad Gita, and others.

Development of Hinduism

(1) Indus Valley Civilization Period (2500-1500 BCE)

The Indus Valley Civilization developed and flourished in the basin of the Indus River, which flows through present-day Pakistan. The civilization developed around 2500 BC, although its origins go back even further. By 1500 BC, the civilization had largely disappeared. Evidence of early Hindu practice is archaeologically dated to this vanished culture. The civilization was extensive, located from the eastern foothills of the Himalayas to Lothar on the coast of Gujarat and to Sutgagen Dor near the Iranian border. Some cities of the Indus Valley culture have yet to be excavated. Two large cities were discovered, Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, which gave us an alternative name for the Harappan culture. The Indus civilization did not develop as a result of contact with other civilizations such as Sumer or Egypt. It was an indigenous development growing out of earlier local cultures.

(2) Vedic Period (1500 BC-500 BC)

There has been some debate about this period and the nature of the Vedic civilization. The two main theories about the early development of early South Asian traditions are as follows: The Aryan migration thesis states that groups from the Indus Valley who called themselves Aryans (nobles) migrated to the subcontinent and became a dominant cultural force. Hinduism, in this view derives from their religion recorded in the Vedas along with elements of indigenous traditions they encountered. The cultural transformation thesis is that the Aryan culture is a development of the Indus Valley culture. In this view, there was no Aryan migration (or invasion) and the Indus Valley culture was an Aryan or Vedic culture. Recent genome-based studies and other research suggest that this is a more likely development. 1500–1200 BCE: The Vedic age in which the Rig Veda was written. The eleven major Upanishads were written around 800 BCE and became the foundational texts of Hinduism. These texts present the ideas of reincarnation and karma, and that those who are righteous in the present life will be reborn in a better life until they finally attain moksha or holy bliss. 600–500 BCE: Jainism and Buddhism separate from mainstream Hinduism.

(3) Epic, Puranic and Classic Age

(a) 500 BCE

This period, starting around the time of Gautam Buddha (who died around 400 BCE), saw the composition of other texts. The Epics and Puranas were written around 500 BC. The Epics, which record the history of mortal men, and the Puranas, which record the history of celestial figures, were written around 500 BC. These signal the beginning of devout Hinduism, in which followers commit to a single deity, especially Shiva or Vishnu, although Devi is also popular.

(b) 400 BC – 800 AD

The Hindu reaction to Buddhism and Jainism resulted in further changes in the main teachings of Hinduism.

(c) 326 BC

Alexander the Great brought his army and the influence of Hellenic culture and ideas to the northernmost regions of India. The Mauryan Empire of India was created to counter this Hellenic influx of culture and ideas.

(d) 268-232 BCE

Ashoka became emperor of the Mauryan dynasty covering northern India and Afghanistan up to the Deccan plains to Mysore, except for the coastal territory of Kalinga. The conquest of Kalinga was one of the bloodiest conflicts in ancient history. This caused a change in the outlook of Ashoka as a ruler and a man. As a ruler, he renounced war and conquest by force, and as a man, he became a follower of the Lord Buddha. He ruled from 268 BC to 232 BC. Although he is believed to have been reborn into a Jain or Hindu family after converting to Buddhism, Ashoka promoted a nobler life according to the laws of dharma, which had a great impact on both Hinduism and Buddhism. He distributed wealth, built monasteries, sponsored festivals, and brought peace and prosperity. He turned the tradition into the official state ideology, and his support of Buddhism began its long transformation into a world religion. Buddhism and Jainism had a profound impact on Indian and Hindu culture. They discouraged caste distinctions, abolished hereditary priesthood, made poverty a prerequisite for spirituality, and promoted communion with the spiritual essence of the universe through contemplation and meditation.

(e) 52 CE-500 CE

The date of the first presence of Christianity in India is debated. Christianity is believed to have been introduced to India by the Apostle Thomas, who is said to have visited Muziris in Kerala in 52 AD. Scholars generally agree that Christianity was definitively established in India by the 6th century AD. The Christian presence included some communities that used Syriac liturgies. It is therefore possible that the connection of Christianity with India dates back to the alleged arrival of St. Thomas. 200 CE: Hindu laws are codified.

(f) 320-500 AD

The Gupta Empire was established around 320 AD Maharaja Sri Gupta founded the Gupta Empire, which covers a large part of the Indian subcontinent. It ushers in an era of peace and prosperity that allows for the stabilization and spread of Hindu culture. The rise of the Gupta Empire (320-500 AD) saw the development of the great traditions of Vaishnavism (centered on Vishnu), Shaivism (centered on Shiva), and Shaktism (centered on Devi). Many elements from this period, such as bhakti (devotion) and temple worship, are visible in Hinduism today. The Gupta Empire saw the development of poetic literature. These texts were composed in Sanskrit, which became the most important element of the shared culture. Hinduism returns as the dominant religion of India. Temples and monuments are built to honor Hindu ideas, gods, and beliefs. This is the era of Hindu renaissance.

(4) Medieval period

The Gupta Empire fell in about 500. Overrun by the invading Huns, the Gupta Empire disintegrated into various weaker entities around 500. 788 AD – This is the birth year of Adi Sankaracharya-Hindu guru, philosopher and scholar. 800-1000 CE – Bhakti movements rise. The bhakti movement emphasized devotion to god and was. the Indian response to various pressures, including the challenge that arose in the form of the Islamic religion, pressures for conversion, the need for social change, and the need to address the ills prevalent in Hindu society at the time. The Bhakti movement aimed to purify the Hindu religion and free the people from the monopoly and injustice of the priestly classes. – In 900 CE Shankara introduced the concept of one Brahman or one God, introducing significant monotheistic views into Hinduism. In 950 AD, Queen Sembiyan Madhavi spent her life building Hindu temples and monasteries. 600 CE-1100 CE – Around the 7th century CE, when Arab traders arrived in coastal Malabar and Konkan-Gujarat, Islam first came to the west coast of India. Built-in 629 AD by Malik Deenar, the Cheraman Juma Mosque in Kerala is believed to be the first mosque in India. Likewise, in the 7th century AD, immigrant Arab and Persian trading communities from South Arabia and the Persian Gulf began to settle in coastal Gujarat. Ismaili Shia Islam was introduced to Gujarat in the second half of the 11th century when the Fatimid Imam Al-Mustansir Billah sent missionaries to Gujarat in 1073 CE. Islam reached northern India in the 12th century through Turkic invasions. Since 1100, Islam has become part of India’s religious and cultural heritage.

(5) Pre-Modern Period (1400-1700 AD)

Europeans came to India to pursue colonization and trade goals in the Hindu world. In 1542 CE Mogul Emperor Akbar, being religious, reformed efforts to unite Muslims and Hindus. The Hindu Renaissance began around 1600 A.D. Scholars focused on modernist interpretations of sacred texts and social reforms. In 1605 CE Jahangir became emperor of India; Jahangir followed both Muslim and Hindu teachings. In 1669 AD, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb banned Hindu worship in India, forcing many Hindus to convert.

(6) British Period

(a) 1757 CE

Robert Clive’s victory at the Battle of Plassey (1757) led to the end of the Mughal Empire and the rise of British rule in India. Initially, the British did not interfere with the religion and culture of the Indian people, allowing the Hindus to practice their religion without hindrance. Later, however, missionaries came who preached Christianity and actively encouraged conversion.

(b) 1861 AD

The British Raj, under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, criminalized sexual activities that were considered “against the order of nature”, which included homosexual activities.

(c) 1894 AD

Paramahansa Ramakrishna (1836-1886) inspired the Ramakrishna Order of Monks and is considered the spiritual founder of the Ramakrishna Movement (Vedanta Movement). After the death of Ramakrishna in 1886, monastic disciples established the first Math (monastery) in Baranagar. Swami Vivekananda, a Ramakrishna monk, was a delegate to the 1893 Parliament of World Religions. The following year he founded the first Vedanta Society in New York, United States of America. He returned to India in 1897 and founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897. The Vedanta Society sought to introduce Hinduism to the West and revive Hindu traditions of service, volunteerism, and education. Swami Vivekananda urged his followers to be true to their faith but also to respect all the religions of the world, as his guru Paramhansa Ramakrishna taught that all religions are paths to God.

(d) 1903-04 CE

Immigration of people from India or of Indian origin to Canada began in 1903-1904. The 1911 census records show a total of 1,758 persons of Hindu or Sikh origin. Early Hindus struggled to maintain their religious traditions in a mostly hostile environment that saw “colored” immigrants such as Hindus and Sikhs as a threat to the British culture and way of life of the time. Canadian pioneers could not bring brides from India until the 1930s, and they did not have the right to vote in federal elections until 1947.

(e) 1908 CE

Through the “Continuous Voyage” legislation, the Canadian government effectively banned further immigration of Hindus and Sikhs by requiring South Asians to purchase a passage ticket to Canada from their country of origin. Discriminatory immigration policies blocked immigration from the Indian subcontinent and elsewhere for over 50 years.

(f) 1919–1947 CE

The era of Mahatma Gandhi had a profound influence on Hinduism and India. Indian jurist Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi launched a two-year non-cooperation campaign that began in 1920. He encouraged Indians to abandon British institutions, return British honors, and practice self-reliance. While Gandhi was forced to stop campaigning after his arrest and imprisonment in 1922, he became the most respected leader of the Indian nationalist movement and was given the title of Mahatma (great soul).

(g) 1947 AD

In August 1947, after three hundred years of rule, the British made a hasty and ill-planned exit from India. Their decision to partition the former colony before leaving caused great upheaval in the Indian subcontinent and led to a period of serious conflict and violence. Despite opposition, including that of Gandhi, they decided to divide the colony into two independent nation-states; Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. Partition led to a chaotic mass migration of people within the country. Millions of Muslims tried to leave India for West and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), while millions of Hindus and Sikhs tried to move in the opposite direction. The resulting chaos led to religious sectarian violence and mutual genocide across the continent. Communities that had coexisted relatively peacefully for centuries began to attack each other. The violence was particularly intense in the provinces of Punjab and Bengal, which bordered the new Pakistani territories. By 1948, more than fifteen million people had been displaced and between one and two million had been killed. The division, chaos, and conflict that followed had a profound and lasting impact on the peoples of the Indian subcontinent.

(7) Post Indian Independence Period-Modern Period

(a) 1955 CE

During this period, several Hindu beliefs and practices were incorporated into laws in India. The Hindu Marriage Act was passed by the Parliament of India. Three related Acts were also passed during this time as part of the Hindu Code Acts: the Hindu Succession Act (1956), the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act (1956), and the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act (1956). These acts also apply to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs.

(b) 1960s

From the 1960s, Hindu Indians migrated to Britain and North America, including Canada. Gurus traveled to the West to support and nurture these new Hindu communities and sometimes started missionary movements that attracted Western interest. Transcendental Meditation has achieved worldwide popularity and attracted the attention of celebrities such as the Beatles. Perhaps most conspicuous was the Hare Krishna movement, whose male followers sported shaved heads and saffron robes.

(c) 1966 CE

Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi became the first woman Prime Minister of India. She served two terms, from 1966 to 1977 and from 1980 to 1984. Indira was the daughter of the first Prime Minister of India (after independence), Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

(d) 1979 CE

The Hindu Society of Manitoba opened its first Hindu Temple and Cultural Center in Manitoba at 854 Ellice Avenue in Winnipeg.

(e) 1990s-Present

Hindu communities are well-established in many countries around the world. They excel socially, economically, and academically, have built many magnificent temples (such as the Swaminarayan Temple in London, UK), and consolidated their communities.

(a) 1997 CE

Deepak Obhrai became the first Hindu Canadian elected to the Canadian Parliament. Obhrai was born on July 5, 1950, in Tanganyika (now Tanzania) to a Hindu family. KR Narayanan, of Dalit (“untouchable”) descent, is appointed President of India. Narayanan was born in the southern state of Kerala and grew up in the 1930s. It was a time when Dalits were routinely denied many rights and faced many restrictions, such as the right to enter Hindu temples, draw water from wells (reserved for Brahmins and other upper castes), or walk on some village paths. Dalits have also experienced consistent denial of access to education in India since the 1850s. Despite the obstacles he faced, he was an excellent student and was able to overcome many challenges. By the time he was appointed, he had a long and distinguished career as a scholar, diplomat, and cabinet minister who once served as India’s ambassador to the United States.

(b) 1998 CE

Shabnam Mausi became the first transgender person to be elected to public office in India. Shabnam served as a member of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly from 1998 to 2003.

(c) 2001 CE

The Kumbh Mela festival became the largest religious gathering in history. In the 2001 Canadian census, 297,200 people declared Hinduism as their faith.

(d) 2007 CE

In July 2007, the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was consecrated in Toronto. It is the largest of its kind in Canada and was built according to instructions found in ancient Hindu scriptures. The grounds are spread over 18 acres and include a haveli and a heritage museum.

(e) 2011 CE

Same-sex marriages are not legally recognized in India; however, in 2011, the court recognized one same-sex marriage involving two women.

(f) 2014 CE

The Supreme Court of India recognized hijras and other transgender groups as an official third gender.

(g) 2015 CE

The Rajya Sabha passed the Transgender Rights Act, of 2014, which guarantees rights and entitlements to transgender people; for example, reservations in education and employment, legal aid, pensions, unemployment benefits and skills development for transgender people. The provisions also prohibit discrimination in employment and prevent abuse, violence, and exploitation.

(h) 2016 CE

The Ontario Legislature passed a bill to declare October as Hindu Heritage Month every year in the province. The next year, India’s Supreme Court granted the LGBT community the freedom to safely express their sexual orientation.

Conclusion

Most scholars believe that Hinduism began somewhere between 2300 BC and 1500 BC in the Indus Valley near present-day Pakistan. But many Hindus claim that their faith is timeless and has always existed. Unlike other religions, Hinduism does not have a single founder but is rather a fusion of different beliefs.

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