Introduction: Definition of Brahmanism and Hinduism
Brahmanism and Hinduism are two closely related philosophies with interlaced origins and beliefs. Brahmanism is an ancient Indian religion, centered on the concept of Brahman, or the absolute universal spirit; it is described in the Vedas and Upanishads, and was the pre-eminent religion of the early Indian subcontinent. Hinduism, while related to Brahmanism, reflects a later period of philosophy which is mainly based upon the later traditions of classical Sanskrit literature, the Brahmanas, and the later Upanishads.
The Historical Development of Brahmanism Into Hinduism
The development of Brahmanism into Hinduism began in the early centuries of the common era. The Vedas and Upanishads were the foundation of Brahmanism and they contained the two foundational stories of creation that formed the basis of the religion: the Divine Monism of Prajapati and the Trimurti of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Both of these cosmological stories were developed into more involved philosophical and religious systems over the centuries that followed.
In particular, the later Upanishads and the Brahmanas added layers of ritual, worship, and philosophy to the religion. This formed the basis of the more ‘orthodox’ form of Brahmanism by the early first millennium. While Buddhism offered an alternative and often more appealing understanding of the self and the world, Brahmanism was the orthodox religion for much of India until the Mughal conquests in the 1500s.
However, scholars now recognize that what later became known as Hinduism was already beginning to emerge out of some of the dissident ‘sectarian’ groups even before the Mughal conquests and that it was only during the Mughal period that the broad features of what we now understand ‘Hinduism’ became clearly differentiated.
Bhakti and the Emergence of the Hindu Identity
The term ‘Hinduism’ first appeared in the Vijayanagara empire in the 1200s CE, but the major changes to the structure of the religion and the consolidation of the Hindu identity occurred around this time. These changes were based around the Bhakti movement, which held that one could devote themselves to any form of God without any of the elaborate rituals and chanting of the Vedas. All of the popular gods and goddesses in these movements, including Shiva, Vishnu and the goddess Devi, could ultimately trace their origins to Hindu texts and beliefs.
The Bhakti movement gave rise to the great devotional saints such as Kabir, Mirabai and Tukaram who brought about the union of the various Indian religions and encouraged the individual to strive for direct experience of the divine. This was a major change from the hierarchy and priests of Brahmanism and some scholars suggest that this gave birth and definition to the modern Hindu identity.
The Synthesis of Brahmanism and Bhakti
From the Mughal period until the colonial era, the merging of Brahmanism and the Bhakti movement resulted in the emergence of a Hindu religion and identity that was formulated and codified in the texts of Hinduism. This synthesis of the two religions harmonised the different sects and philosophies into one concept that encompassed all of the primary doctrines of both Brahmanism and the Bhakti movement.
Furthermore, the colonial period of British rule further solidified the idea of a discrete Hindu religion and identity. Colonial policies such as the caste system codified the differences between religions, which in turn led to the further consolidation of Hinduism as a distinct religion.
The Continuing Evolution of Hinduism
The development of Hinduism houses a complex narrative of subtle changes, with new streams of philosophy and religion constantly emerging. While modern Hinduism shares many central beliefs with Brahmanism, the two religions have continued to evolve separately and gain new philosophical, ritualistic, and devotional forms.
At present, Hinduism is the world’s third largest religion, and is practiced in numerous countries including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. With the increasing migration of Hindus, the faith is also being practised in countries across the world, such as in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. This has undoubtedly contributed to the changing nature of Hinduism, but the foundation and core beliefs remain the same as they have always been.
The Impact of Globalization on Hinduism
As Hinduism has spread to other parts of the world, it has been influenced by both Western and Eastern cultures. As a result, its practices have become more diverse and its philosophies more eclectic. The globalisation of Hinduism has also led to an influx of new devotees in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
In the 21st century, Hinduism has become more publicised and more widely accepted, which has further transformed its practices and beliefs. Its practices have become more universal and its philosophies more universally accepted. Its spread and influence has meant that its core beliefs, practices, and rituals have been adopted by members of other faiths. This has increased the practice of modern Hinduism, allowing it to expand geographically, culturally and spiritually.
Urbanisation and the Changing Face of Hinduism
Urbanisation has also had a significant impact on the nature of Hinduism. As more people move to cities, the number of traditional Hindu temples and ashrams has been decreasing and more modern practices have been emerging. Furthermore, with new technologies and materials, Hinduism has become more accessible to people of all backgrounds and traditions.
The advent of the internet and social media have also played a powerful role in creating communities of devotees, where people can discuss the meanings of Hinduism and how it can be practised in contemporary life. Due to its diversity, the beliefs and practices of Hinduism vary widely between different communities but most of the core principles remain the same.
The Influence of Feminism on Hinduism
The influence of feminism on Hinduism has also been notable. Despite being gender biased initially, the religion has embraced more progressive views and practices in recent years. Women are now allowed to become priests and there are numerous initiatives aimed at encouraging more women to learn about Hinduism and practise its rituals.
Furthermore, female deities such as Durga and Lakshmi are playing more visible roles in many Hindu festivals and religious celebrations. There are also a number of female iconographies that have been added to the religion such as the mother goddesses and the female avatars.
Interfaith Dialogue and Moderating Regional Customs
The practice of Hinduism has also been impacted by interfaith dialogue and the moderating of local customs. With the rise of modern Hinduism, efforts have been made to bridge the gap between different faiths and to recognise the unique beliefs of different regions.
The Indian government has implemented a number of reforms to promote the harmonisation of different Hindu traditions and promote an understanding of their diversity. Local customs, such as alchemy, or the caste and class systems, have been frowned upon in the past, but are now being accepted as an integral part of modern Hinduism.
Conclusion of Hinduism
Hinduism is an ancient religion whose beliefs, ceremonies and customs have evolved over the centuries and continue to develop today. While still firmly rooted in its past and its seminal texts, the religion has been shaped by both regional customs and globalisation into an entity that is different yet connected to the original foundations of Brahmanism.
What remains constant, however, is the belief in the divinity of the universe, in the oneness of existence and of our interconnectedness to all of creation. These core ideas continue to be a source of inspiration and growth, not only for Hindus, but also for people of all faiths.
