Introduction to Hinduism
Hinduism is perhaps the oldest organized religion known to mankind. With more than 1 billion adherents, it is the world’s third-largest faith and one of the most ancient. It has origins and roots in the Indian subcontinent’s ancient religious beliefs, practices, and texts. The foundational literature of Hinduism, known as the Vedas, date back to between 1500 and 1000 BC—arguably some of the world’s oldest surviving literature.
Where Was Hinduism Founded and Primarily Practiced?
Hinduism originated in the Indian subcontinent, and has been practiced primarily in the present-day countries of India and Nepal. Although it has spread to other corners of the world, primarily through migration, India and Nepal remain the countries most strongly associated with Hinduism.
Expert Matthew Lyons, associate professor of religious studies at the University of Calgary, says Hinduism originated in the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished along the banks of the Indus River between 2600-1900 BCE. During this period, “A distinct religion emerged, based on the worship of a number of gods and goddesses, and the practice of yoga, with its physical and spiritual applications,” he says.
In the Rig Veda, which is the oldest surviving literature on Hinduism, Dr. Lyons states: “The gods and goddesses in the texts are the same ones that are still worshiped today, such as Vishnu, Shiva, and the Goddess. This is clear evidence that the religion has its roots in ancient India.”
Vedic and Classical Hinduism
The earliest form of Hinduism is known as Vedic Hinduism and dates from approximately 1500 BCE. This is the religion outlined in the earlier sections of the Vedas and various other ancient texts. Richard Lariviere, professor emeritus of South Asian & Southeast Asian Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explains that Vedic Hinduism “was a nature-based religion that worshipped many gods, with special importance given to the gods of natural forces such as Indra (rain) and Agni (fire).”
Classical Hinduism emerged around the sixth century BCE and was influenced by the popular philosophy of early Indian philosopher-scholars such as the Buddha, Mahavira and Patanjali. In classical Hinduism, Lariviere explains, “Gods and goddesses came to be seen as different aspects of a single supreme God. The emphasis shifted from performing sacrifices to reaching spiritual liberation.”
Varna System
By the first century CE, Hinduism had adopted the Varna system, which divided Hindu society into four distinct social classes. Each of these social classes had prescribed duties and obligations. Eileen Bray, professor of Religion at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont, explains that this “established the social order and provided a structure for stratification and hierarchy that still exists today.”
Additionally, Bray says that this period saw the development of the caste system, which places limits on who could marry whom. This hierarchical system of social boundaries encouraged a sense of stability and order, but also created an atmosphere of tremendous prejudice, which still persists today.
The coming of Islam to South Asia in the twelfth century, which eventually led to the Mughal Dynasty, resulted in significant changes to Hinduism. Features of Islamic culture, such as music, art and architecture, were incorporated into Hindu temples and festivals. The Sufi and Bhakti movements grew in popularity among Hindus and spurred syncretic fusion of Hindu and Islamic ideas.
Modern Hinduism
It was during this period that modern Hinduism began to emerge, influenced by the Mughal period as well as the coming of Europeans to South Asia in the 18th century. This form of Hinduism, which is still dominant today, is often referred to as “neo-Hinduism” and focuses on “a single Supreme God, a body of sacred texts such as the Bhagavad-Gita, and the practice of various ascetic disciplines such as yoga,” according to Bray.
Independence from British rule in 1947 also saw a renewed sense of Hindu identity and pride. A resurgence of Hindu nationalism and Hindutva, or “Hinduness,” spread throughout the region in the ensuing decades. In India, Hinduism has been a major factor in the country’s politics, to the extent that some have argued it has become a state religion.
Rejection of Classic Hinduism
In recent times, there have also been calls to reject certain aspects of classical Hinduism. From the late twentieth century onwards, Dalit (“untouchable”) Hindus in India have criticized older Hinduism for legitimizing caste-based discrimination, instead advocating for Hindu values that prioritize justice, equality and human dignity.
The protest movements of the 1990s, led by organizations such as the Dalit Panthers, ignited a sense of “Dalit pride,” challenging the traditional Hindu social order and calling for a more inclusive Hinduism. Similarly, indigenous Adivasi (tribal) Hindus demand recognition and respect for their unique religious beliefs and customs, which have been historically marginalized by mainstream Hinduism.
Spread of Hinduism to Other Parts of the World
In recent years, Hinduism has spread beyond the Indian subcontinent and is practiced in countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mauritius, and Fiji. This globalization of Hinduism is due in large part to the migration of Hindus from their countries of origin, who have taken their customs, beliefs and practices with them.
Hindu immigrants have often found themselves in a minority position in their new countries, prompting a re-examination and re-invention of their values and beliefs. In the United States, for example, Hindus have adapted to an environment far different from their traditional roots and have found creative ways to remain true to their faith while living in a different cultural context.
The Role of the Internet
The internet has also played a major role in the growth and spread of Hinduism. Through websites, blogs and other online mediums, Hindus have been able to connect and communicate with one another, helping to build a global Hindu community. Websites like Hindupedia provide users with an abundance of information about the religion, giving interested readers the opportunity to learn and explore Hinduism from the comfort of their home.
These online platforms have allowed Hinduism to reach a much wider audience and reach places that it may have never been able to before. This has helped to spread the religion’s values and beliefs, while connecting people from all walks of life, regardless of their location.
Conclusion
It is clear that Hinduism has a long and complex history that has evolved over time. It is rooted in ancient Indian culture and texts, and is practiced primarily in the Indian subcontinent. Over the millennia, Hinduism has changed form, adapting to various external influences, while at the same time continuing to adhere to its core values. The internet has allowed Hinduism to reach a much wider audience than it ever has before and has facilitated the growth of a global Hindu community.
