A Life of Interest

  How old is Hindusim? Since Hinduism as a religion emerged out of numerous sources, it is difficult to determine its exact origins If we consider its oldest sects namely Shaivism Vedism (Brahmanism), Vaishnavism and Shaktism, we may trace it back to 2500 B.C.E. or earlier. According to some, going by the geographical and astronomical information found in the epics and the Vedas, Hinduism may be at least 6000 to 7000 years old. By definition if we include the faith of the Indus Valley civilization also as a part of Hinduism, (since it originated in the subcontinent), its antiquity can be traced back to either pre Harappan (7000 BCE) or early Harappan (3500 BCE) period. Whatever may be the truth, it is certain that the origins of Hinduism are rooted in the prehistoric cultures of people who lived in different parts of India as warriors, tribesmen, noblemen, pastoral people, mountain dwellers, priests, farmers, traders, ascetics, medicine men and so on, and who practiced different faiths