History

Hindu history

Hinduism's early history is the subject of much debate for a number of reasons.

The Indus Valley Civilisation, Before 2000 BCE

The Indus Valley civilisation was located in the basin of the river Indus, which flows through present day Pakistan.

The Vedic Period, 1500–500 BCE

Early vedic religion centred around the sacrifice and sharing the sacrificial meal with each other and with the many gods.

The Epic, Puranic and Classical Age, 500 BCE–500 CE

From this period we can recognise many elements in present day Hinduism, such as bhakti (devotion) and temple worship.

The Medieval Period, 500 CE–1500 CE

During this time religious literature and new philosophies developed from a succession of poet-saints.

The Pre-Modern Period, 1500–1757 CE

Alongside the development of Hindu traditions, most widespread in the South, was the rise of Islam in the North as a religious and political force in India.

The British Period, 1757–1947 CE

Robert Clive's victory at the Battle of Plassey (1757) heralded the end of the Mughul Empire and the rise of British supremacy in India.

Independent India, 1947 CE–present

The partition of India in 1947 reinforced notions of India as 'a Hindu country', and of Hinduism as 'an Indian religion'.