In this very short introduction, kim knott offers a succinct and authoritative overview of this major religion, and analyses the challenges facing it in the twentyfirst century. Hinduism s roots are diverse and are likely a synthesis of various regional tribal beliefs. Apr 11, 2018 it is widely accepted that hinduism is the oldest of the worlds religions, but there is no known historical figure credited with being its founder. Evidence of hinduisms early antecedents is derived from archaeology, comparative philology, and comparative religion.
Hinduism s early history is the subject of much debate for a number of reasons. Oprah winfrey network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Hinduism is the worlds oldest religion, according to many scholars, with roots and customs dating back more than 4,000 years. This book was a wonderful way to be introduced to the concepts of hinduism. To people raised in other faiths, hinduism may seem very complex, but the core beliefs of hinduism are actually quite simple to understand. Hinduism is not born of the teachings of particular prophets. If the indus valley civilization 3rd2nd millennium bce was the earliest source of hindu traditions, then hinduism is the oldest living religion on earth. A very short introduction oxford university press free pdf d0wnl0ad, audio books, books to read, good books to read, cheap books, good books, online books, books online, book. Hinduism is a compilation of many traditions and philosophies and is considered by many scholars to be the worlds oldest religion, dating back more than 4,000 years. Hinduism is a religion that originated in the indian subcontinent. The process by which hinduism came to be constituted as an object of european study is often. Unlike christianity or buddhism, hinduism did not develop from the teachings of a single founder. Reincarnation and karma are the primary mechanisms of hinduism.
Opinion a short note on the short history of hinduism while it may be that the religious streams now grouped together under the rubric of hinduism are ancient, the word hindu was not applied to. The beginnings of hinduism the modern archaeological record for south asia indicates a cultural history of continuity rather than the earlier 18th through 20th century scholarly interpretation of discontinuity and south asian dependence upon western influences. The history of hinduism in india can be traced to about 1500 bce. A very short introduction combines an overview of a major religion with analysis of the challenges facing it in the twentieth century. A short history of modern hinduism chronology glossary abbreviations used in notes and bibliography select bibliography index this comprehensive study of hindu history moves swiftly but thoroughly through. The flow of hinduism can be divided roughly into major periods of change and development. Klostermaier is a firstrate scholar who expects a lot from his readers, sometimes too much.
The story of how 16 year old abhimanyu arjuns son managed to torment kaurava warriors who had formed dronacharyas chakravyuh read more short moral stories. Hinduism is different than other major religions because there is no single founder. Hinduism a brief overview of the development of hinduism. Buddhism a brief overview of the history of buddhism buddhism was believed to have started in india by siddhartha gautama. Books on the history of hinduism and india find here a list of selected books on the history of india from antiquity to the modern day, palaces, art, artchitecture, religious and cultural development. A very short introduction oxford university press for online ebook. Siddhartha was born around the fifth century bce to a tribal chief of a clan in southern nepal. Dandekar argues that hinduism can hardly be called a religion at all in the popularly understood sense of the term. Hinduism is based on the vedas, the sacred texts and teachings of the aryans, the ancient. Aug 24, 2009 the early history of hinduism is difficult to date and hindus themselves tend to be more concerned with the substance of a story or text rather than its date. The hindu religion originated in india thousands of years ago. Today, with about 900 million followers, hinduism is the third. Firstly, in a strict sense there was no hinduism before modern times, although the sources of.
Comparing and contrasting hinduism with christianity creation. This evolutionary process is quite normal for such a pronature sect as hinduism in. Hindus in this major study of hindu beliefs and practices, julius lipner deliberately adopts an informal style, in order to engage in an exploratory conversation with the reader, and his own fascination. Great for anyone who would like to learn about hinduism s history and general innerworkings. History of hinduism james mill 17731836, in his the history of british india 1817, distinguished three phases in the history of india, namely hindu, muslim and british civilisations. This periodisation has been influential, but has also been criticised, for the misconceptions it has given rise to. It was a time and place of religious renewal, in which several groups reacted against the formalized rituals and hierarchical organization of traditional hinduism, desiring something new and fresh. Hinduism, major world religion originating on the indian subcontinent and comprising several and varied systems of philosophy, belief, and ritual. Download ebook hinduism a very short introduction hinduism a very short introduction thank you very much for reading hinduism a very short introduction. The earliest literary source for the history of hinduism is the rigveda, consisting of hymns that were composed chiefly during the last two or three centuries of. Ths is the story of how shriram and lakshman came to the rescue of tyagraj. Key preoccupations of hinduism today include the centrality of the veda as religious texts. Feb 01, 2000 the history of the hindu tradition is captured by kalus k. A brief introduction to hinduism augsburg fortress.
Oct 25, 2015 oprah winfrey network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Pdf of the various religions that came up through ages in human civilisation, hinduism is the oldest one. Jan 10, 2016 opinion a short note on the short history of hinduism while it may be that the religious streams now grouped together under the rubric of hinduism are ancient, the word hindu was not applied to. The history of buddhism spans from the 6th century bce to the present. Hinduism is also known by the names sanatanadharmaand vaidikadharma. Hinduism a brief overview of the development of hinduism there are several important historical facts about hinduism that are relevant to the humanist context. One can believe a wide variety of things about god, the universe and the path to liberation and still be considered a hindu. Based on the prehistoric vedic text, it is a faith in constant change. Purists refer to it more as sanatana dharma the eternal pathlaw rather than a religion, as it is believed to be a virtuous way of life. Christianity offers its followers an explicit account of the creation of the world and of human beings. A very short introduction very short introductions.
The term hindu originally referred to those living on the other side of the indus river, and by the thirteenth century. Populated by an infinite amount of gods, the belief system is open to adopting any of the gods produced by younger religions. The ancient indians were not interested in history as such, which is simply the records of kings and merchants written by the victors. Hinduism is the worlds oldest organized religion existing for 4500 years. An informative study of hindu history that moves swiftly but thoroughly through the ages, from the early emergence of the vedic tradition, to developments, isbn 97818516823 buy the hinduism. According to buddhist literature, it was prophesied that he would become a king if he stayed at home or a. The latter offers extracts from classical and modern sources paralleling and supporting the short introduction. Hinduism embraces a great diversity of beliefs, a fact that can be initially confusing to westerners accustomed to creeds, confessions, and carefullyworded belief statements. Comparing and contrasting hinduism with christianity. Hinduism is practised by nearly eighty per cent of indias population, and by some seventy million people outside india. While most major religions derive from new ideas taught by a charismatic leader, hinduism is simply the religion of the people of india, which has gradually developed over four thousand years.
This makes it one of the oldest religions practiced today. This study moves swiftly but thoroughly through the ages, from early emergence of the vedic tradition to the developments in contemporary hinduism. How hinduism has evolved over the years, influenced by indias past and present. Introduction to hindusim belief oprah winfrey network.
Moreover, it has diverse traditions, owing to its long history and continued development over the course of more than 3000 years. Klostermaier in this new survey of a rich and ancient religion. Hinduism and buddhism, an introduction smarthistory. Mar 17, 2015 jainism arose in 7th century bc eastern india, home to hinduism and buddhism. Buddhism arose in the eastern part of ancient india, in and around the ancient kingdom of magadha now in bihar, india, and is based on the teachings of siddhartha gautama. The creation story also indicates a definite ending to this created order. Hinduism is an indian religion and dharma, or way of life, widely practised in the indian subcontinent and parts of southeast asia. With about 470 million followers, scholars consider buddhism one of. Oprah winfreys heart and creative instincts inform the brand and the magnetism of the. It also contains a full bibliography of all literature. Hinduism flows from the misty past some 6000 to 7000 years ago. Mar 17, 2015 hindu history the history of hinduism is unique among the world religions in that it has no founder or date of origin. According to historians, the origin of hinduism dates back to 5,000 years or more.
It is the oldest practised religion in the world and has the third largest following after christianity and islam. As you may know, people have look numerous times for their chosen novels like this hinduism a very short introduction, but end up in harmful downloads. Hinduism has been called the oldest religion in the world, and some practitioners and scholars refer to it as sanatana dharma, the eternal tradition, or the eternal way, beyond human history. Buddhism is a religion that was founded by siddhartha gautama the buddha more than 2,500 years ago in india. In his chapter on hinduism for the handbook for the history of religions, a quasiofficial document for the international association for the history of religions, r. Buddhism a brief overview of the history of buddhism. Anyone who isnt somewhat versed in hinduism already would do well to pick up his concise encyclopedia of hinduism for handy reference. Well written, relatively short, and reasonably objective in its overview. It is not based on a set of dogmas preached by a particular set of teachers. Its origin can be traced back to the prehistoric era with its ancient scriptures dating back more than four thousand years, but no specific point of origin can be cited. Jul 01, 2000 he includes a short history of hindu philosophy, which in india is inseparable from religion.
124 1498 628 1436 738 524 893 153 1020 1112 1502 362 1105 35 650 1132 895 1113 537 813 223 93 379 826 670 1373 1109 448 445 924 878 405 1322 744 1003 867 161 252 1013 409 459 592 1097 957 1256 948