Hinduism

Hinduism is an ancient religion that formed before recorded history. Some historians believe the concept of Hinduism originated from the Aryans, who came to India in 2000 BC, while others believe that traces of Hinduism are presented in artifacts left by Indias original settlers. Pools, hearths, and stone seals may show that these settlers practiced ritual bathing, lighting holy fires, and worshipping deities, which are practices of Hinduism.

Early Hinduism is called Vedism, named after a set of sacred texts written in sanskrit called the Vedas. Sanskrit was an ancient Indian language that formed in about the 2000 BC. Vedas had to be taught orally until written Sanskrit formed. Vedic rituals honored deities associated with nature and society. Over time, as rituals became more complex, Brahmins, who were priests and religous scholars, gained power. They were the only ones who knew who could interpret the Vedas and properly perform rituals. Brahmins became the dominate class, and later Vedism is know as Brahminism

Hinduism affected society in India along with religous practices. Brahminism taught that society should be divided into social classes, and Europeans called this the caste system. The Vedas created a class of Brahmins, who were religious scholars and priests, Kshatriyas, who were rulers and warriors, Vaishyas, who were herders and merchants, and Shudras, who were servants. Over time a class known as the untouchables developed, whose jobs involved things that were called "dirty" by Hindus, like carrying dead animals. They could not live with other Hindus, go to most temples or schools, and be touched or looked at by Hindus. The Vedas taught that each social class, or varna, had their own duties. For example, Brahmins had to study the Vedas, and Kshatriyas had to take care of and defend their people. Brahmins were the top class in society, and Shudras, at the time, were the lowest. The caste system still exists today.

Hindus built massive temples to worship deities. The following graphic shows and explains the deities that Hindus worshipped.