Hinduism

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Definition

Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world, originating in Central Asia and the Indus Valley, still practiced in the present day. The term Hinduism is what is known as an exonym (a name given by others to a people, place, or concept) and derives from the Persian term Sindus designating those who lived across the Indus River.

More about: Hinduism

Timeline

  • c. 1500 BCE - c. 500 BCE
    Indian scholars of the so-called Vedic Period commit the Vedas to written form; basic tenets of Hinduism are established.
  • c. 400 BCE - c. 200 CE
    The Bhagavad Gita, part of the Mahabharata, is written at some point between 400 BCE and 200 CE.
  • c. 480 CE - c. 500 CE
    The Gupta-era Hindu temple at Bhitargaon is built.
  • c. 770 CE
    The Kailasa rock-cut temple at Ellora is completed and dedicated to Shiva.
  • 1122 CE
    Construction begins of the Hindu temple at Angkor Wat.
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