Year of Origin of Hinduism

There is no exact year of origin of Hinduism. This because Hindu religion has no founder and it has evolved through centuries of teachings, primarily trying to find answer to questions like Who am I?

Historians suggest that Hinduism originated around 3000 BCE in the the Indus Valley near the River Indus in modern day India, Afghanistan and Pakistan. But this view has been challenged by many modern day historians and scholars, who feel it is even older. Then, there is the Dravidian culture, the indigenous culture in India, and tribal culture, which many scholars believe could have contributed to the origin of Hindu religion.

The earliest artifacts related to Hinduism like phallic symbols and idols of mother goddess have been found from Mohenjodaro and Harappa in the Indus Valley.

It must be noted here that the term ‘Hindu’ was first used by Arabs around 2000 years ago and the term Hinduism was coined by European powers that colonized India.

Before the arrival of foreign powers, Hinduism was known as Sanatana Dharma. Even today, the strict adherents of Hinduism prefer Sanatana Dharma. It must be noted here that the term Hindu or Hinduism is not found in any of ancient scriptures.

The teaching of Sanatana Dharama believes in Brahman – the supreme soul present in all animate and inanimate. The Brahman concept also suggests that life is a continuity. This indirectly suggests the futility of origin, birth and death.

Related

Video on Hindu concept of beginning and end of Universe

What does Sanatana Dharma mean?

History of Hindu Religion

Series on Origin of Hinduism