History of Hinduism

⁣Hinduism, the major world religion, is based in the Indian Subcontinent. It has many different systems and beliefs. Although the term Hinduism is relatively recent, having been invented by British writers during the first decade of the 19th-century, it refers to an extensive legacy of texts, practices, and texts that dates back at least to the 2nd millennium BCE. The Indus-valley civilization (3rd-2nd millennium BCE), was believed to have been the first source of these traditions. According to some scholars, Hinduism would be the oldest existing religion. The many sacred texts contained in Sanskrit or Vernacular languages acted as a medium for spreading the religion throughout the world. But ritual, the visual, and performing arts were also important in the spread of religion. From the 4th century CE, Hinduism was dominant in Southeast Asia. This presence would last over 1000 years.

In the 21stcentury, Hinduism had almost one billion worldwide followers and was the religion of approximately 80 percent of's people. Despite its worldwide reach, it can be best understood by its many distinct expressions.