These cities indicate a centralized state with extensive town planning, common construction techniques, regular weights and measures, as well as trade, farming and domesticated animals.
The word "Hindu" originates from the Sanskrit word for river, sindhu. The Indus River running through northwest India into Pakistan received its name from the Sanskrit term sindhu. The Persians designated the land around the Indus River as Hindu, a mispronunciation of the Sanskrit sindhu. In archaeologists uncovered evidence of an ancient civilization along the Indus River, which today is dated to around BC and thought to represent one of the largest centers of human habitation in the ancient world.
Scholars believe that the Indus Valley Civilization had begun to decline by BC, possibly due to climate change. Because of its location between the Indian Subcontinent and the Iranian plateau, the area has seen many military invasions including Alexander the Great, the Persian empire, and the Kushan empire. To distinguish themselves, they called all non-Muslims Hindus; the name of the land became, by default, the name of the people and their religion Schoeps, , p. Hindus hold that there is one supreme God--Brahman.
Brahman is the impersonal ultimate reality or world soul. All beings are part of Brahman and Brahman is likewise part of all things. Humans cannot describe or comprehend Brahman. However, there are numerous gods and goddesses in Hinduism. These gods represent aspects of the One Supreme God.
This collection of verses and hymns was written in Sanskrit and contains revelations received by ancient saints and sages. Most scholars believe Hinduism started somewhere between B. But many Hindus argue that their faith is timeless and has always existed. Around B. Rituals, such as sacrifices and chanting, were common in the Vedic Period.
Hindus began to emphasize the worship of deities, especially Vishnu, Shiva and Devi. The concept of dharma was introduced in new texts, and other faiths, such as Buddhism and Jainism, spread rapidly. Hinduism and Buddhism have many similarities. Buddhism, in fact, arose out of Hinduism, and both believe in reincarnation, karma and that a life of devotion and honor is a path to salvation and enlightenment.
But some key differences exist between the two religions: Buddhism rejects the caste system of Hinduism, and does away with the rituals, the priesthood and the gods that are integral to the Hindu faith. The Medieval Period of Hinduism lasted from about to A. New texts emerged, and poet-saints recorded their spiritual sentiments during this time. In the 7th century, Muslim Arabs began invading areas in India. During parts of the Muslim Period, which lasted from about to , Islamic rulers prevented Hindus from worshipping their deities, and some temples were destroyed.
Indian statesman and activist Mahatma Gandhi, Between and , the British controlled India. At first, the new rulers allowed Hindus to practice their religion without interference.
But later, Christian missionaries sought to convert and westernize the people. Many reformers emerged during the British Period. The partition of India occurred in , and Gandhi was assassinated in British India was split into what are now the independent nations of India and Pakistan , and Hinduism became the major religion of India.
Starting in the s, many Hindus migrated to North America and Britain, spreading their faith and philosophies to the western world. An early 18th century depiction of Devi revered by Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Hindus worship many gods and goddesses in addition to Brahman, who is believed to be the supreme God force present in all things.
Followers of Hinduism can visit the Mandir any time they please. Hindus can also worship at home, and many have a special shrine dedicated to certain gods and goddesses. The giving of offerings is an important part of Hindu worship.
Print Subscriptions. Deseret News homepage. Filed under: Faith. Who, exactly, founded Hinduism? Reddit Pocket Email Linkedin. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Occasionally, an ad appears in a column adjacent to my blog on patheos. Will there be a reckoning? Sign up for the newsletter Morning Edition Start your day with the top stories you missed while you were sleeping. Thanks for signing up!
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