2.1 Historical Development of Hinduism

The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the world's earliest urban cultures, flourishing around 2500 to 1900 BCE in the northwestern regions of South Asia, primarily along the Indus River. This civilization is known for its advanced city planning, including well-organized streets and sophisticated drainage systems, as well as its script that remains undeciphered. Its development and decline are essential for understanding the historical context of Hinduism, as it laid some of the foundational aspects of culture, society, and religious practices that would influence later Indian civilizations.

Harappan Culture: The archaeological term used to describe the early urban culture of the Indus Valley Civilization, named after the site of Harappa, which showcases the civilization's achievements in city planning and architecture.

Aryan Migration: The movement of Indo-European peoples into the Indian subcontinent around 1500 BCE, which significantly influenced the cultural and religious landscape of the region following the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Dravidian People: The indigenous people of southern India who are believed to be descendants of the Indus Valley Civilization and contributed to the early development of Indian culture and languages.

The bhakti movement was a devotional trend in Hinduism that emphasized personal devotion to a deity, fostering a more accessible and emotional form of worship. It originated in South India around the 7th century and spread across the Indian subcontinent, aiming to transcend caste distinctions and promote direct communication with the divine through love and devotion.

Bhagavad Gita: A 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, presenting a conversation between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, emphasizing duty and devotion.

Sant tradition: A spiritual movement within Hinduism characterized by the teachings of saints who emphasized devotion to God and often challenged orthodox practices and social hierarchies.

Namdev: A prominent saint from the bhakti movement known for his devotional hymns to Lord Vithoba, representing the connection between personal devotion and social reform.

The Vedas are a collection of ancient sacred texts that form the foundation of Hinduism, composed in Sanskrit and dating back to around 1500-500 BCE. They encompass a vast body of knowledge that includes hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings, serving as the primary scriptures for the Hindu tradition. The Vedas are divided into four main collections: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, each contributing to various aspects of worship, ritual practices, and spiritual understanding.

Upanishads: Philosophical texts that explore the ideas presented in the Vedas, focusing on meditation, morality, and the nature of reality.

Sanskrit: The ancient language in which the Vedas and many other Hindu scriptures were composed.

Brahman: The ultimate reality or cosmic spirit in Hindu philosophy, often discussed in relation to the teachings found in the Vedas.

The Upanishads are a collection of ancient Indian texts that form the philosophical basis of Hinduism, focusing on meditation, morality, and the nature of reality. They explore concepts like Brahman (the ultimate reality) and Atman (the individual soul), serving as a bridge between the ritualistic practices of the Vedas and the more abstract spiritual inquiries found in later Hindu thought. These texts emphasize the importance of personal experience and direct knowledge of the divine, influencing various aspects of Hindu worship, rituals, and sacred literature.

Brahman: The ultimate, unchanging reality in Hindu philosophy, often described as the source of all existence and consciousness.

Atman: The individual self or soul in Hindu philosophy, considered to be a manifestation of Brahman.

Vedas: The oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, consisting of hymns, rituals, and philosophical discussions that precede the Upanishads.

Samkhya is one of the six classical schools of Indian philosophy, primarily known for its dualistic approach that distinguishes between consciousness (Purusha) and matter (Prakriti). This philosophical system plays a crucial role in the historical development of Hindu thought and also influences various practices, including yoga and meditation, which are integral to Hindu worship and rituals.

Purusha: The concept of the eternal, unchanging self or consciousness in Samkhya philosophy, which is distinct from the material world.

Prakriti: The material nature or the manifest world in Samkhya philosophy, representing everything that is subject to change and evolution.

Yoga: A spiritual practice rooted in Hinduism that aims to unify the individual self with the universal consciousness, often drawing on principles from Samkhya.

Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India, primarily associated with Hinduism. It encompasses various disciplines that include postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation, aiming to unite the mind, body, and spirit. Throughout history, yoga has evolved, influencing and being influenced by religious and philosophical ideas, which makes it a significant aspect of both Hindu practices and contemporary spiritual movements.

Asana: The physical postures practiced in yoga that help improve flexibility, strength, and balance.

Meditation: A mental practice that involves focusing the mind to achieve a state of calm and clarity, often an essential component of yoga.

Bhakti: A devotional practice in Hinduism that emphasizes love and devotion towards a personal god, often integrated into yogic practices.

Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule, advocating for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience as means to achieve social and political change. His philosophies and practices are deeply rooted in Hindu principles, drawing from concepts like ahimsa (nonviolence) and satyagraha (truth force), which reflect a significant historical development of Hindu thought and its ethical teachings.

Ahimsa: The principle of nonviolence toward all living beings, which is a central tenet in Hinduism and greatly influenced Gandhi's philosophy.

Satyagraha: A method of nonviolent resistance developed by Gandhi, aimed at achieving social and political reform through truth and moral power.

Swadeshi: A movement initiated by Gandhi encouraging self-sufficiency and the boycott of British goods, promoting indigenous industries.

Puja is a ritualistic worship practice in Hinduism that involves making offerings to deities, honoring them, and seeking their blessings. This practice is deeply rooted in the historical development of Hinduism, where it evolved from Vedic rituals into more personal and varied forms of worship across different regions and communities. Puja is central to Hindu worship and rituals, as it provides a way for devotees to connect with the divine, express devotion, and fulfill spiritual and communal needs.

Bhakti: A devotional trend in Hinduism that emphasizes personal devotion to a deity and the emotional connection between the devotee and the divine.

Prasad: Food that has been offered to deities during puja and is then shared among devotees as a blessed offering.

Aarti: A devotional song sung in praise of a deity, often accompanied by the ritual of waving lighted lamps before the idol during puja.