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The term Hinduism was first used by Indians to describe their own religion in the 16th century.
The term Hinduism was first used by Indians to describe their own religion in the 16th century.
True
Sir Monier Monier-Williams published a dictionary of the Sanskrit language in the 18th century.
Sir Monier Monier-Williams published a dictionary of the Sanskrit language in the 18th century.
False
Sanatana dharma translates to 'eternal law' and was popularized in the 19th century.
Sanatana dharma translates to 'eternal law' and was popularized in the 19th century.
True
The roots of Hinduism can be traced back to the practices and beliefs of the Indus valley civilization.
The roots of Hinduism can be traced back to the practices and beliefs of the Indus valley civilization.
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Hindus universally reject the term Hinduism in favor of more indigenous formulations.
Hindus universally reject the term Hinduism in favor of more indigenous formulations.
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Hinduism emphasizes that truth can only be expressed in a single, dogmatic formulation.
Hinduism emphasizes that truth can only be expressed in a single, dogmatic formulation.
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The five elements that shape the Hindu tradition are doctrine, practice, society, story, and devotion.
The five elements that shape the Hindu tradition are doctrine, practice, society, story, and devotion.
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In Hinduism, the concept of moksha refers to the fulfillment of one’s social obligations within the caste system.
In Hinduism, the concept of moksha refers to the fulfillment of one’s social obligations within the caste system.
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Prasada, in Hindu worship, reflects the recognition of divine generosity and remains a central component of puja rituals.
Prasada, in Hindu worship, reflects the recognition of divine generosity and remains a central component of puja rituals.
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The caste system in India is a modern development, with no historical roots in ancient Indian society.
The caste system in India is a modern development, with no historical roots in ancient Indian society.
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Study Notes
Hinduism: An Introduction
- The term "Hinduism" became popularized in the 19th century by scholars like Monier Monier-Williams.
- The term "Hindu" originated with early travelers like the Greeks and Persians, who referred to the inhabitants of the Indus Valley as "indoi".
- The term gradually shifted from an ethnic, geographic, or cultural designation to a primarily religious one.
- Hindus have responded to the term "Hinduism" in various ways, including rejecting it in favor of indigenous formulations, preferring "Vedic religion," utilizing the term "sanatana dharma," or simply accepting "Hinduism" or "hindu dharma".
- The roots of Hinduism can be traced back to ancient texts like the Vedas (2nd millennium BCE) and visually through artistic representations of yakshas and nagas (from around 400 BCE).
- Some trace the origins of the tradition to female terra-cotta figurines found in Indus valley civilization sites, often interpreted as goddesses.
Key features of Hinduism
- Hinduism embraces the organic, multileveled, and sometimes pluralistic nature of its traditions.
- It emphasizes the belief that truth cannot be encompassed in any creedal formulation, and instead must be sought from multiple sources.
- Tolerance is considered a paramount religious virtue.
- Hinduism's development is inextricably linked to the specific context of the Indian subcontinent.
- There is a tension between universalist and particularist impulses within the tradition.
- Hindus often describe their religion as "sanatana dharma" which means "eternal law," signifying its continuous existence and the web of customs, obligations, traditions, and ideals that characterize it.
Five Essential Strands of Hinduism
- Doctrine: Anchored in the Veda ("Knowledge"), organized primarily by the Brahman class. Key tensions include the relationship between the divine and the world, the disparity between dharma and moksha, and the balance between individual destiny (karma) and social bonds.
- Practice: Ritual behavior, including puja ("honoring the deity"), archana (puja performed by a priest in a temple), and the offering of prasada (food infused with divine grace). These practices highlight the concept of hospitality extended to the deity, reflecting human dependence on the divine.
- Society: Stratified social structure known as the caste system, traditionally divided into four classes (varnas) and later evolving into numerous endogamous birth-groups (jatis). This system reflects the understanding of truth as being plural and multilayered.
- Story: Narratives and myths that often encompass multiple perspectives and diverse interpretations, providing a framework for understanding human experience and its complexities.
- Devotion: Personal relationship with the divine expressed through various forms of worship, seeking guidance and seeking release from the cycle of birth and death, emphasizing an individual's personal journey towards spiritual liberation.
Summary
- Hinduism is a complex and multifaceted tradition with a long and rich history.
- While it is characterized by diversity and pluralism, certain underlying principles and practices are common across various groups and periods.
- The five strands of doctrine, practice, society, story, and devotion interweave to form the fabric of Hinduism.
- The presence of internal tensions, such as the balance between universalism and particularism, adds to the complexity and richness of the tradition.
- Understanding the interplay of these elements provides insights into the dynamic nature of Hinduism.
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Description
This quiz explores the origins, evolution, and key features of Hinduism. Learn about the historical context and terms associated with the religion, as well as the perspectives of its practitioners. Test your knowledge on ancient texts, cultural shifts, and the terminology that define Hindu traditions.
