Hinduism is a major religion principally in the Republic of Asia and also in Nepal. Historical development of Hinduism originates from two sources. The first source dates back to the third millennium. This source is referred to as the Indus valley culture although most features of this source have since been eluded. The other source is the Aryans or indo-Europeans. Its characteristics are postulated to have originated from the first source of Indus valley civilization. The features of the second root put more emphasis on the following; rite purity, adoration of a goddess figure of fertility and sacrality of certain trees and animals. This essay gives an overview of historic development of Hinduism and the importance of epics in Hinduism (Majumdar 1).
Hinduism basically encompasses the development of religion in India from the time of Iron Age, which dates back to the Indus valley civilization followed by Aryans or indo-Europeans. Hinduism comprises six branches which have evolved from the 2nd century to the 6th century. The branches are Samkhya, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimasa, Yoga and Vedanta. Hinduism involved the progressive development of these traditions to what they are to date. Classical Puranic Hinduism was laid down in the Middle Ages together with Adi Shankara’s Advaita Vedanta. The reconciliation of the two gave rise to Smartism and reduced the philosophy of non-Vedantic schools (Brodd 13).
Hinduism increased the fame of Bhakti movement, which is famous up to date. During Bhakti’s movement Hinduism was under the Islamic rulers, at the time of colonial period many Hindu reform movements emerged. The emergence of the various movements was partially inspired by the western traditions such as spiritism. In the year 1947, partitioning of India occurred. This division was based on religious matters. As a result the Republic of India managed to emerge with a Hindu majority after the division. In the 20th century, Hindu minorities formed in all continents due to the Indian Diaspora. At this time, the largest number was mostly found in the United state and the United Kingdom. Since the year 1980 Hindu nationalism has formed a strong political power in the republic of India. From 1999 to 2004 the Hindutva Bharatiya Janata party formed the government of India and the first state in southern India in the year 2006 (Majumdar 3).
Indian epics are valued for their moral teaching, the morals are practiced by the Hindus in their daily lives. There are two common epics, the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The epics present principles of human civilization which seem to have been eluded by modern times. Ramayana was written by Sage Valmiki, it explains the exile of lord Rama who fought for his wife who had been abducted by king Ravana. The morals taught by the epic are the importance of being truthful and of always walking in the right path. The Mahabharata is a treasure in Indian literature. The epic explains the significance of fulfilling the duties which every individual has been assigned in life. It condemns dishonesty and other vices, it also encourages individuals to always strive in order to defeat the devil (Majumdar 3).
Current Hinduism is an indication of progressive changes that took place in the 19th and 20th centuries. The changes involved a variety of cultures and institutions of Hinduism. Hindus epics are treasured literature which acts as the guideline of Hindus moral values.
Works Cited
Brodd, Jefferey. World Religions. Winona, MN: Saint Mary’s Press. 2003.
Majumdar, R. C. An Advanced History of India. Prentice Hall: NewYork.1960, print