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# Hinduism - Hinduism is the third-largest religion behind Christianity and Islam. ## Historical Background * Hinduism had no single identifiable founder. * The term "Hindu" originated from the Persian word "Hindu" (in Sanskrit "Sindhu"), meaning "river". * Hinduism also refers to the people of t...

# Hinduism - Hinduism is the third-largest religion behind Christianity and Islam. ## Historical Background * Hinduism had no single identifiable founder. * The term "Hindu" originated from the Persian word "Hindu" (in Sanskrit "Sindhu"), meaning "river". * Hinduism also refers to the people of the Indus Valley, the Indians. * The term "Hinduism" was coined in the 19th century to describe the wide array of beliefs in India. * "Arya Dharma" or "Aryan Way" was an earlier name for Hinduism. ### Timeline * **3000-1600 BCE:** Earliest Hindu practices emerged with the Indus Valley Civilization (Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa) in the northern Indian subcontinent around 2500 BCE. * **1600-1200 BCE:** The Aryans migrated to southern Asia, significantly impacting Hinduism. * **1500-1200 BCE:** The oldest scriptures, the Vedas, were compiled around 1500 BCE. * In general, Hinduism has both pre-Aryan and Aryan elements, tracing its roots back to ancient times. ## Sacred Scriptures * The sacred texts of Hinduism have been passed down through generations via music, recitation, dance, and drama. * Sanskrit was the language of the earliest writings. ## Categories of Sacred Writings Hindu scriptures are categorized into two classes: Shruti and Smriti. ### Shruti * Literally means "that which is heard". * Considered eternal truths passed down orally until the present era. * The 4 collections of Vedic texts (Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, Atharva Veda) comprise the Shruti. ### Vedas * Veda means "knowledge" or "sacred lore". * The four basic Vedic books are compiled from earlier oral traditions and contain hymns, prayers, and sacrificial rituals. #### Rig Veda * A collection of over a thousand hymns and more than a thousand verses dedicated to the Aryan pantheon of gods. #### Sama Veda * "Knowledge of rites" * Compiled materials for rituals and sacrifices. #### Yajur Veda * "Knowledge of chants" * Collection of hymns for priests reciting during sacrifices. #### Atharva Veda * "Knowledge given by sage Atharva". * Contains spells, incantations for healing, medicinal purposes, magical aids for battles, and other purposes.