History of Hinduism in India
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in India, with its roots stretching back to around 5000 BCE. This ancient faith is also one of the most followed religions in the world and is the majority faith in India, with over 80% of Indians identifying as Hindu. In order to fully understand Hinduism and how it has evolved in Indian history, it is necessary to delve into the origins and tradition of the faith.
It is thought that Hinduism began in the Indus-Sarasvati valley, which was later to become modern-day India. Here, a civilization developed which worshipped a pantheon of gods, including Indra, Varuna and Agni. These gods were associated with the elements and were responsible for making sure the natural order of the cosmos was maintained. This early Hinduism was an oral tradition and passed down orally through generations.
As time progressed, new gods were introduced, and the concept of polytheism became popular. By the first millennium BCE, a more comprehensive set of religious texts and practices had been established, known as the Vedic tradition. This comprised of mantras and rituals, as well as a collection of holy texts known as the Vedas. These texts provided a framework for ritual practices, ethical behaviour and philosophical thought, and many of these teachings still exist in Hinduism today.
Hindu Scriptures and Traditions
Alongside the Vedas, another set of important Hindu scriptures were written, known as the Upanishads. These texts provided an insight into the enquiry of spiritual truths, and many questions about the purpose of life were discussed in the Upanishads. The Upanishads also laid down a range of ethical and moral codes, stressing the importance of living a righteous and virtuous life.
It was during this time that the distinction between Brahmans (priestly class) and Kshatriyas (warriors) emerged. This new ritual order saw a focus placed on upholding hierarchy and Dharma – the holy order of the Universe. Rituals such as Brahmanism and karma also became hallmarks of Hinduism during this period.
The Development of Hinduism
During the Middle Ages, Hinduism evolved and developed significantly. More advanced philosophical systems, such as Vedanta and Nyaya, were created. These systems emphasised the importance of individual reflection and enquiry, and laid out detailed ethical codes of behaviour.
It was also during this period that the concept of caste divisions was developed. The notion of an individual’s destiny being determined by their innate abilities, social background and previous life incarnations was established. This system is still a part of Hinduism today, although its relevance has been diminished in recent years due to the emergence of social equality in India.
Modern Hinduism
Modern Hinduism has seen the emergence of new sects and gurus, such as the Vaishnava and Shaiva faiths. These faiths have tended to focus on devotion to one particular god, as opposed to the polytheism of the Vedic period.
The early 19th century also saw the emergence of movements such as Brahmo Samaj, which emphasised reform and the importance of education.
This period also saw the rise of Hindu Nationalism in India, as well as a revival in traditional Hindu values and practices. This has led to changes in religious practices in many parts of India, particularly in the North, where Hindu values are seen as integral to the Indian identity.
Away From India: Hinduism Around the World
Since the 19th century, there has been a great deal of Hindu migration to other countries, leading to the emergence of Hinduism in various parts of the world. This includes countries such as the UK, USA, Canada and Nepal, as well as parts of Africa, South East Asia and the Caribbean.
The emergence of Hinduism outside India has given rise to different traditions and interpretations of Hinduism. These different interpretations have been influenced by the local cultures and have adapted certain practices and ceremonies to fit this new context. However, many of these interpretations have also retained many core beliefs, such as the notion of karma, reincarnation and the importance of Dharma.
Balancing Religion and Secularism
The presence of Hinduism in India has affected the way the state is run. Since India gained independence from the British in 1947, it has adopted a secularist policy which seeks to avoid any discrimination or favouritism towards any particular religion. This has been somewhat complicated by the fact that Hinduism is the majority faith in India, as well as the presence of different movements which promote Hindu nationalism. This has meant that there has been a tension between State-endorsed secularism, and the cultural identity of India, which is heavily influenced by Hinduism.
Main Tenets of Hinduism
Hinduism is a diverse tradition, with a range of different philosophies, practices and gods. Despite the complexity of Hinduism, there are some core beliefs which are held by most Hindus. These include the concept of a single divine spirit known as Brahman, the idea of karma and reincarnation and the importance of Dharma.
Hinduism is based around the notion of attaining liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth. Liberation, known as moksha, is achieved through leading an ethical life, upholding the values of Dharma and striving towards spiritual enlightenment.
Hinduism is also a faith which is open to diversity and change. Over the centuries, different elements of the religion have been adapted or reformed to fit a particular context or to meet the needs of the time. This has seen the emergence of a range of practices and interpretations which exist alongside each other to form a rich and complex tradition.
How Has Hinduism Evolved Over Time?
Hinduism has developed across India throughout its long history, with new sects and practices emerging. Key periods of the evolution of Hinduism include the Vedic period and the Middle Ages, when different religious texts, philosophies and rituals were established. More recently, Hinduism has evolved under the influence of different movements, such as the emergence of Hindu nationalism and campaigns for social reform. The presence of Hinduism outside of India has also seen the emergence of different interpretations, which have adapted the tradition to fit local contexts.
Importance of Hindusim in Modern India
Hinduism is an important part of Indian life. It is the majority faith in India and continues to shape the culture, beliefs and traditions of the nation. Despite the secularism of the Indian State, Hinduism is still a major influence in every aspect of Indian life.
The importance of Hinduism was further emphasised in the 1980s, when a period of Hindu revivalism began in India. This period saw Hindu-oriented organizations start to emerge and push for changes in the laws and the emphasis of Hindu values in the public sphere.
This period has seen new interpretations of Hinduism emerge, as it continues to evolve under the influence of movements and social change in India. However, many of the traditional principles established centuries ago have remained a part of the Hindu identity and are still followed by Hindus today.
Influence of Hinduism Around the World
The reach of Hinduism has grown far beyond India, with the tradition taking root in other parts of the world, such as the UK, USA, Canada, Nepal and Africa. This has seen the emergence of new interpretations of Hinduism which have been influenced by their local context.
As a result of these migrations, Hinduism has continued to grow and evolve on a global scale. Newer sects and interpretations of Hinduism have been established, often drawing on aspects of different traditions to create something new and distinctive.
Despite its influence outside of India, Hinduism still remains primarily an Indian tradition. The majority of Hindus still live in India and the country remains the spiritual home of Hinduism. This has created a complex relationship between the religious and secular aspects of India, as it strives to reconcile the two in a modern, diverse context.
