History of Hinduism

The origin of the Hindu religion is under dispute to date and many theories about its origin are still being put forward. The common belief is that the Indus Valley civilization existed near the river Indus around 3200 B.C.-1600 B.C. They followed a religion that had a close resemblance to Hinduism. This religion later went through the influence of the Dravidians and the Aryans around 1500 BC. In the recent times repeatedly, the theory of Aryan invaders is being challenged.

With the introduction of the Vedas around 1000 BC, a loose framework of the religion was formed. The Vedas were considered as the most important holy books as they were believed to provide divine knowledge. The Vedas are also considered as the foundation of Hindu philosophy. Upanishads are a part of the Vedas, which lay emphasis on the metaphysical nature of the universe and soul. In the epics like, Ramayana, Mahabharata and Manu smriti the essence of the Hindu religion unfolds.

The term Hinduism

The origin of the term Hindu also has historical connotations. The Aryan race that settled near the river Sindhu. The Persians pronounced the word Sindhu as Hindu, and named the Aryan's Hindus. Thus Hindu is only a mispelt form of Sindhu. The word Hindu was a geographic rather than a religious term but now it has turned out to be a loaded term as it is associated with a religion.

The origin of Hinduism

Hinduism was not found by any one person, or does not have only one core doctrine. There is also no definite time when it could be said to have begun. It does not require its adherents to accept any one idea, and thus is cultural; its Ideologies were developed into a history with the peoples with which it is associated. Hinduism is also known for an attitude, of accommodating other religious and cultural perspectives into their own. Thus it has a variety of ideas and practices resulting in what appears as a multiplicity of religions under one umbrella 'Hinduism'.

Hinduism maybe the only religious tradition that is so diverse in its theoretical and practical expressions that it is like a compilation of religions. Hinduism lacks any definitive beliefs or ideas. It is a phenomenon and forms a broad spectrum of beliefs and practices, which are paganism, pantheism and so on. On the other hand it is very profound, abstract, and full of metaphysical speculations.

Religion and culture are interchangeable terms in Hinduism. Some expressions like 'Bhakti' (devotion) or 'Dharma' (what is right) and 'Yoga' (discipline) are used to depict essential aspects of the religion. Hinduism later in its belief included idol worship, casteism, reincarnation, 'karma', 'dharma' and 'moksha'. Some moral ideals in Hinduism include non-violence, truthfulness, friendship, compassion, fortitude, self-control,