Hinduism India

It was the Greek and the Persian travelers to the Indus Valley in the 16th century who coined the term "Hinduism". It is a fact that nobody knows anything about the central authority or founder of Hinduism. Historians believe, over the centuries, Hinduism had adopted many spiritual traditions and practices, which are seen even today in the homes of many Hindus. It is not easy to generalize the beliefs of Hinduism because the practices vary widely among the believers of this religion. 

Historians believe Hinduism was the religion followed by the people of the Indus Valley Civilization. This civilization existed between 3200 BC and 1600 BC, on the banks of the River Indus. However, many of the events and the incidents that had taken place between 1500 BC and 1400 BC have not been documented. Hence there is an ongoing debate about the exact date of the beginning of the Hinduism.

However, the historians believe Vedic scriptures were introduced sometime in 1000 BC. The Vedic scriptures are known as the "Vedas"; and Rig Veda was the first Hindu scripture. The Vedas are the basic foundation of Hindu philosophy. There are four Vedas - Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. Each of these Vedas were written in the form of hymns in Sanskrit language and served four different purposes. You would also find a scripture on medicines known as Ayurveda. 

Upanishads are religious texts within the Vedas and they deal with the metaphysical nature of the universe and human soul. The essence of Hinduism as a religion unfolds through the great epics "Ramayana" and "Mahabharata", and also other religious scriptures such as "Manu Smriti", "Vedanta" and "Srutis".