The roots and history of Hinduism
If you have heard of words like Om chakra, mantra, Shakti, shanti, yoga, karma, reincarnation, then you have already heard of the oldest major religion of the World known as Hinduism.
Hinduism is not a religion in the conventional sense. Even the name Hinduism is not the original one. Similar to other major religions like lslam, Christianity, Buddhism and other small religions Hinduism does not have a single founder. lt does not have one single guiding and controlling authority. Prayers and worship in Hinduism is offered to multiple Gods with very different rituals and many different ways. lt is generally considered as polytheistic religion, but it disputed my Hindus because all Hindu believe in only one supreme God. Every prayer and method in all its diversity repeatedly recites a single shloka. lt says:
“As the water coming down from sky as rain ultimately reaches ocean, prayers and worship offered to any god ultimately reaches the only one supreme god”.
Modern day Hinduism is derived from ancient religions of India the’sanatana Dharma’- (the eternal religion). Earliest evidence of existence of the Sanatana Dharma dates back to about 3,500bc. After Aryan migration in to India around 2500bc it evolved in to Vaidic Dharma (Religion of Vedas). The Sanskrit word Dharma means way of life.
Hinduism is relatively modern name for the religion. ltfirst appeared around 800bc. lt is Persian or central Asian title, referring to religion and the land, east of River Sindhu (lndian name for lndus) as Hindu and Hindustan. The name India also originates from the river lndus. The ancient and present day official name of lndia in Sanskrits Bharat.
The evolution of modern Hinduism closely follows developments of turbulent and violent history of India from the ancient lndus valley civilisation to modern day Pakistan.
The archaeological excavation discovered Indus valley civilisation discovered in1920s. Discovery of two well-planned and well-built cities of Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, about 350 miles apart, changed the perception of Indian History. It is considered to be one of the oldest civilisations. lt shows evidence of highly developed society around 4,500 to 3,500bc. The brick lined walled baths, houses for reach and poor, well-planned roads and the civic amenities were found in the ruins. Other artifact included metallic (copper) figurines of dancing maiden, pottery, and hundreds of small seal depicting images of ancient gods some of which resemble Hindu Gods, one of which is three headed figure of proto-shiva. This point to existence of the Sanatana Dharma.
The current archaeological research in Northern India has greatly enhanced our knowledge of lndus valley civilisation. lt is believed to be spread over area larger than the present day Western Europe. The ancient cities have discovered in Lothal in Gujarath, Kot-Diji and Amri in Panjab.
Dharma or spiritual traditions of India have two aspects Shruti and Smruti. The detailed workings and minute points of aspects have been worked out through centuries of social necessities and custom.
Shruti are orally transmitted Sanatana Dharma traditions built upon nature of man, nature of soul, and their relations with God, nature of God and so on. They also include principles of cosmology, creation and laws of cyclical procession. These are eternal principles founded on universal laws of nature.
Smruti comprises of minor laws to guide working of everyday life. They are derived from various literatures and change from one Yuga to another.
Hindus believe that whole cosmos is destroyed periodically to give birth to the new one. This is in respect comparable to expanding universe and the big-bang theory of modern physics. According to Hindu mythology there are four Yuga each lasting for about 4-6 billion years. We presently in the Kaliyuga, the previous periods were Satyayuga, Tretayugand the Dwaaparyuga.
History of Hinduism is also recorded in the Vedas, most sacred texts of Hinduism. There is no single author of Vedas and they are believed to have originated by Devin inspiration. Brahmin priests have orally transmitted them from one generation to another in most faithful and accurate manner. There are four Vedas. They consist of Mantras, (Hymns).
Rig Veda is the first of Vedas and dates back to about 1500bc. lt consists of over 1000 mantras (hymns) containing over 10,000 verses in cycle of signs or mandalas. Perhaps it is the first outpouring of human mind- the glow of poetry and description of nature’s beauty and mystery. Other Vedas are Sam Veda, Yajur Veda and the Atharva Veda. Contents and philosophy of these Vedas can be summarised as follows:
Rig Veda – Royal Knowledge
Sam Veda – Knowledge of chants
Yajur Veda – Knowledge of Sacrificial Rituals
Atharva Veda – Knowledge of incarnation
ln addition to Vedas Hindu literature consists of Brahmans, Upanishads, Sutras, Puranas and epics like Ramayana and Maharabharata.
Vedas are supposed to have been written over the centuries and reflect the developments in social and political life of India. Eager Veda, Atharva Veda and Upanishads evolved much later from 800 to 500bc. By this time Aryan have long been settled down, stable prosperous civilisation has grown up. The Vedas referred with respect but no more satisfied priests.
Collectively these three classics reflect dissension and revolt against in rigid traditions the Santen Dharma. lt was first internal revolt in the Hinduism, against the rigidly development of the cast system.
There are 108 different Upanishads. Upanishads are instinct with spirit of inquiry, of mental adventure and passion for finding truth. The emphasis is on self-realisation.
‘There is nothing higher than the person’ says Upanishad. “Lead me from unreal to the real! Lead me from darkness to understanding: Lead me from death to immortality”
This was a period of rebellion against the established Hinduism from other source. The towering philosophers like Gautam Buddha, Mahavira were two great reformers of this period. Though it was protest against practices in Hinduism, it resulted in establishment of and Buddhism and Jainism as independent religions in India. lt witnessed transition of Hinduism from magic thoughts of Vedas and mystical speculative philosophy of Upanishads torationality. The Jainism is still practised extensively inIndia, but the Buddhism virtually disappeared from India, and spread outside India. Some of the Buddhist literature and philosophy very closely match to the philosophy of Upanishad. Evolving together, both these reforms borrowed from each other freely.
Politically 600bc to 300bc is considered to be Golden Age of India. The Maurya Empire flourished from today Afghanistan (Gandhar) to south India. lt was also period of violent wars. The Kalinga War during the period of Ashoka changed the history of India. In this war over 50,000 were killed, 150,000 abducted and untold damage was done to social and economic life. Ashoka became Buddhist and for the first time Buddhism received royal patronage in India. Emperor Ashoka created stupas, Pillars and send ambassadors around the world with Buddhist messages. He introduces word Ahimsa Indian Political circles which was adopted by Mahatma Gandhi 3000 years later in the 20th century. Ashoka’s Lions and Chakra are national symbols of Modern India.
Maurya period also saw development and revival of Hindu religion and literature.
Pannini, one of the first Indian Scientific genius developed mathematical theories involving fractions and also wrote Sanskrit grammar.
Kautyla, Prime Minister of the first Maurya emperor, wrote treaties of Arthashatra, Economics. This is first reference that the “Political power depends on economic power.” He defined various financial and administration layers within state. He described method of financial organisation of vast empire and how to organise local, regional and national financial structure to strengthen empire. Universities like Nalanda and Taxilla attracted students from all over the World.
The demise of Maurya Empire saw fragmentation ofstate and was replaced by the Hindu Dynasty of Nanda around 200bc, and continued to rule Northern India for the next hundred years. Greek travellers who came to India with Alexander described lndian prosperity and wealth eloquently. The empire of Ashoka was the largest of all empires that ever existed in the Indian sub-continent.
Years between 200bc to 300ad were dark ages of India. There was no central empire and the regional powers and kingdoms ruled various parts of the country. lt ended around 500 ad with the rise of Gupta Empire, which brought more land and prosperity than the Mauryas under their control. lt was felt that the Golden age has returned. The Guptas gave royal patronage to Hinduism.
The Sanskrit literature flourished under Guptas, Kalidas, one most prolific writer of India produced plays, only ever equalled by Shakespeare inthousand years later in UK. His books, Meghdoot, Raghuvansh, Kumarsambhavnd Shakuntals attract thousands of audiences even todoy.
A lot more religious treaties added to Hinduism. These include 18 major Puranas, 18 laser Puranas. It became age of Religious tolerance where Buddhist and Hindus lived in Harmony. Buddhist symbols and messages were printed by Hindu Guptas on their gold coins. A number of Stupas, temples and pillars were built and erected all around the country.
From 500ad to 1500ad there was a political vacuum in India at the National level. The barbaric and uncultured invaders from West and central Asia raped, plundered India, looted its assets and destroyed temples and stpuas. Mohmud of Gazini in 1019 destroyed most temples and stupas built by Mauryas and Guptas. This was done under the name of new religion of lslam.
However, there were several regional powers specially south and central India. The Royal patronage in local Kings helped in advancing diversity in Hinduism and building of massive temples and Temple cities. Major Hindu Temples like Khajuraho, Tanjor, Madurai, Janagath in Puri, Sun Temple of Bhubaneshwar and Udaipui were all built at between 1000 to 1300ad. Cast system became more rigid mainly due to local political structures. This period transformed Hinduism as multi-cultural entity. Unity in Diversity became reality.
It was period when philosophy and rituals of present day Hinduism were established. Two major Philosophical trends, which still dominate Hinduism, were evolved. First one is Brahmin Counter Reformation of Karma and Jnana (nayna) Mimamsand the second is the Bhakti,- salvation through devotion.
The Karma and jnana Mimamsa described theory of right conduct, duality of mind and matter. lt established Vedanta philosophy, which influenced Neo Hindu thinker of 19th and 20th century philosophers and politicians.
Shankara (788-820ad) renewed Vedanta philosophy. Adwait- absolute non-duality). He teaches that the individual soul (atman) is embodied in a living being (jiva) is tied to the cycle of rebirth (samsara) because it believes that the world is real though it is illusion. Many consider Shankaras reincarnation of Shiva. He debated with Buddhist scholars and is supposed to be responsible for the decline in India.
Ramanuja combined the Advaita philosophy with Vaishnavite school of thought. He advocated’qualified monisn. (vishishtha Advaita).
According to his theory the individual soul (chit) and inanimate matter (achit) are divine qualities (vishishtha) and thus are both real and divine.
Shankara published his commentaries as “Brahma Sutra” He travelled all over lndia and established four Matha or centres of excellence for Hindu philosophy. These are the organised and recognised places of Hindu Religion. Shankara is credited for combining orthodox Brahminism with the popular Hinduism.
The Bhakti movement challenged supremacy of orthodox Brahminism. lt found its philosophical strength in Bhagwat Gita. A large number of saints, primarily from lower classes, including a few women took up the challenge. They created poetry in regional languages and advocated pilgrimages. Diversity in Unity came to stay in Hinduism.
From 1500 century Mogul Empire dominated India till 1860, followed by about 100 years of British colonial period. Hinduism was consistently under threat from two well organised religions lslam and Christianity. Both of these played heavily on Hindu cast system and other weakness of Hinduism but failed to make significant impact.
So far I have left out two major items of Hindu Literature. These are Epics of Ramayana and mahabharat containing Bhagwat Gita.
No other books anywhere have exercised such continues and pervasive influence on mass mind as these two books. Dating back to antiquity, they are still a living force in the life of the Indian people.
Caste System:
Varna ashrama is one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented aspects of Hinduism.
Four major castes:
Brahmins: Intellectual / priestly
Kshatriya: Martial / Admlnistrators
Vaishya: Commerce / Producers/ traders
Shudra: Manual
Each of these groups has hundreds of sub castes within them. Initial concept of the cast system was the basis of professional and economic life of the community. It was based on the ability of the individual to carry out certain tasks and not on the basis of birth.
The Vedas – Rig Veda make reference to it. ln the pre historic nomadic society it existed among the Brahmins only. Each group (Casts) of Brahmins was responsible for one Veda and transmitted it honestly to the next generation. Thus there are four major classes of Brahmins corresponding to each Vedas. As Vedas grew in volume, the four classes of Brahmins were further sub-divided in to different sects (casts) casts. It was normal to change from one caste to other if you like different aspects of Vedas.
The cast system was primarily divided as follow:
Brahmins: also participated in Performing worship and prayer for every one, because they knew of rituals (teachers, priests, Government consultants and advisors, financial experts.
Kshatriya: are military and warfare experts, Rulers and administrators of towns, villages and Govbrnment, Accountants, Surveyors, tax collectors.
Vaish: business community involved in various trades and services.
Shudras: Leather workers, Shoemakers, meat processors, waste disposals, Servants, gardeners, barbers, weavers, washerwomen, Carpenters.
ln ancient Society there were no trade schools, and one has to learn from parents to receive knowledge of specific skills. However in vaidic times it was allowed and possible to interchange from one caste to other by learning different skills. During the dark ages the caste system became rigid and migration was discouraged and stopped.
Other concepts and definitions in Hinduism
Karma: defined duty you have right to perform your duty without seeking it’s to the fruits and rewards
Karma Yoga !
Appropriate Behaviour (Dharma) Arth. Kama, Moksha
Reincarnation / Moksha /Atman
Cycle of life and death, Body dies abut soul migrates to other living form, Depending on your performance of Karma in the life destination of your soul will be higher or lower
Soul is eternal, non-destructible and ever present.
Jnana yoga Reflective people seeking Knowledge of Divinity through Rational spirituality
Karma Yoga searching God through devotion to your duty
Bhakti yoga Love and unquestioned devotion
Raj Yoga (Self searching)
Practising yoga of choice one can free the soul from cycle of life and death and achieve Nirvana or salvation.
Hindu Gods
Brahma
Vishnu & saraswati Ten Avatar
Shiva & Parwati Blue Colour, Starring of Ocean
Ganesh
RAM & Sita Ram rajya & Audhya temple
Krishna Gita/ Mahabharat
Regional and Local deities
Kul-devata
Avatars: These are in agreements with modern theory of evolution by Danvin.
Matsya (Fish)
Kurma (Tortoise)
Varah (Boar)
Narshimhs (lion-man)
Vamana (Dwarf)
Parsurama
Ramchandra
Krishna
Buddha
Kalaki (yet to come)
Dr Prabhu Kulkarni
(Dr Prabhu Kulkarni is life member of GOPIO.
Dr Kulkarni holds a Ph.D and has worked in various chemical industries, and has spent the last 26 years in R&D and in the Regulatory Affairs Department of Henkel-Loctite in Dublin.
The scientist is a member of the board of trustees of the international Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) and former president of the SCI in Ireland Section. In 2008 he received the SCI’s highest award, the Lampitt Medal. He is also a former council member of the UK-based International Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and the past chairman of the IOSH’s Ireland branch.
When Dr Kulkarni was president of the Ireland-India Cultural Society, he arranged several cultural events in collaboration with ICCR and the Dept of Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister), inviting distinguished Indian artists). —
=Irish Samachar
Kindly click the link below to join Whatsapp group chat to get important news and breaking news from Irish Samachar
Comments are closed.