Differing Accounts
When trying to pinpoint exactly when Hinduism was created, the answer largely depends on which accounts are taken into account. For example, primitive Hinduism is said to have born in the fourth century CE, during the structures of the Vedic religion, an ancient faith based on the Aryan society of ancient India. On the other hand, Hinduism as it is now known and practiced did not appear until around the 7th century CE. In this sense, one could say that Hinduism is thousands of years old, depending the level of interpretation.
That said, there is evidence that the roots of Hinduism date back as far as 1500 BCE when the Aryans settled in the Indus Valley, bearing with them the culture of the Vedic religion. This was the pre-Vedic religion, a hodgepodge of beliefs and traditions, some including the worship of animals and others that linked gods and goddesses to solar and lunar worship. It was during this time that a language called Vedic Sanskrit was formulated.
Hinduism and The Aryans
As the Indo-Aryans settled in the Indus Valley, their beliefs began to taint and shape the pre-Vedic Indian beliefs, eventually transitioning from polytheism to monotheism. This is often associated with the Rigveda, a collection of poems comprising 1,500 hymns written in Vedic Sanskrit which is believed to have been recorded around 1500 BCE or earlier.
The Rigveda introduced many of the gods, goddesses, hymns and rituals that are recognized as core aspects of Hinduism today. Most importantly, it established Brahman, the supreme God and one of the three aspects of Brahman – Brahman, Vishnu and Shiva – which are said to have created the world.
The Rigveda also introduced monotheistic concepts such as reincarnation, Karma and the path of Dharma, which became an integral part of Hinduism. As it diffused into other parts of India, it blended with the beliefs and practices of other cultural and religious elements, such as Buddhism, Jainism, and the Tantric traditions, creating one of the most complex religious systems in the world today.
Major Influences
Hinduism developed over the centuries through several major transformations, the most influential of which is the Upanishads which took place in 700-400 BCE. This is when Hinduism began to solidify and become a distinct religious system, with its Theistic, Pantheistic, and Monastic traditions and practices. During this time, the Upanishads, a collection of 114 texts, introduced the Vedanta school of thought, which provided the foundational philosophical framework for the system.
The seventh century was when Hinduism underwent its second great transformation, which is known as the Puranic Period, during which many philosophical and theological rituals were formalized, including the caste system and the religion’s pilgrimages.
The last major shift in Hinduism took place during the 19th century with the rise of Hindu revivalism and the Bhakti movement. This period was marked by the revival of the Upanishads, and the advocacy of a return to traditional religious and spiritual values. The movement generated the revival of a number of religious practices such as idol worship and the recitation of mantras and hymns to Hindu gods.
Diverse Practices
Today, Hinduism is one of the largest religions in the world, with over a billion adherents worldwide. Despite its ancient roots and complex framework, it remains a living and evolving practice, with diverse rituals and contrary to popular belief, not a single organized religion.
Rather, it is an umbrella term which encompasses a wide range of religious and spiritual beliefs and practices, ranging from Vedic traditions, tantric traditions, to philosophical practices, and modern adaptations. And while its core beliefs remain largely unchanged, its practices are ever-evolving, and new interpretations and practices are continuously appearing in different parts of the world.
Spread of Hinduism
Hinduism has been spread primarily through the actions and teachings of its devotees, as well as its influence on other cultures and religions. Vedic literature and its subsequent interpretations have been translated into dozens of languages, influencing Hindu philosophical thought and practice around the world.
In more recent times, the teachings of Hinduism have been transmitted to the western countries mainly through the immigration of Hindu devotees, who have set up temples and ashrams for their faith. Hinduism has also been spread through books, the internet, and other media of communication, reaching new audiences and gaining acceptance and popularity across different cultures.
Other Acceptance
Hinduism has been accepted by other religious organizations, some even recognizing the faith as a legitimate religion. Hinduism has also been gaining followers in the 21st century due to its acceptance by some branches of Christianity and interfaith organizations, increasing its membership and prominently featuring in political debates and religious dialogues.
The emergence of Hinduism as a practiced faith has been recognized by some scholars as one of the world’s greatest religious transformations and has seen its acceptance by contemporary society. Hinduism has not only spread geographically but also found acceptance among several sects and other organizations and has been recognized as a legitimate entry into the Hindu Faith.
Modern Transformation
In recent times, Hinduism has been transforming due to the influence of modern society. In this sense, it has seen a resurgence of traditional practices, as well as the development of various new practices, such as yoga and meditation. This has enabled new interpretations to be embraced and become an important aspect of modern Hinduism.
At the same time, while Hinduism has been accepted by the mainstream, some traditionalist have fiercely guarded its core values, feeling that the presence of popular adaptations has diluted its profound philosophical core. Nonetheless, Hinduism continues to maintain its dynamic presence in the modern world, and it is expected that its followers and adepts will continue to grow.
Impact of Hinduism
Hinduism has had a profound effect on Indian society and culture, influencing and shaping Indian history, literature, art, architecture, philosophy, and more. It has defined India’s social structure and continues to dominate the nation’s religious landscape, in the number of devotees, literature, and scholarship that it has inspired and generated.
Hinduism has also had an effect on global trends, although not as prominent as its influence on India. Nonetheless, its practices and traditions have been studied and embraced by practitioners and scholars of various religions, as well as embraced and celebrated by certain aspects of popular culture.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it is hard to pinpoint exactly when Hinduism was created, as it has been shaped and changed by countless generations of devotees and scholars. Moreover, it has spread far beyond the boundaries of India, touching the lives of countless people in various parts of the world.
Today, it remains one of the world’s most influential faith systems, with ongoing attempts to revive and modernize its teachings and practices. Looking to the future, only time will tell how Hinduism will continue to evolve and adapt as it further spreads and is embraced by new devotees.
