The Origins of Hindu Dharma
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 2.2.1
The Prehistoric Roots of Hindu Dharma
Hindu Dharma is one of the world’s oldest religions. It is hard to be precise about the full story of its origins.
Prehistoric religion in India
- The prehistoric period is the time before historical records.
- There is a lot of evidence that religious belief existed at that time.
- In northern India, people worshipped many personal deities.
- Many of these deities were female.
- This indicates that worship was partly focused on fertility, both human and of the land.
Beliefs
- In prehistoric India, there was the practice of sacrifice.
- Sacrifice is often associated with asking the gods for help in life and work.
- People in prehistoric India considered rivers sacred.
- Rivers are important in sustaining life.
Roots of Hinduism
- Hindu Dharma has roots in northern India.
- It started around 4000-6000 years ago.
- Different fr many religions, it has no single founder.
- Hindu Dharma is the combination of many religious traditions of the area.
Test yourself on The Origins of Hindu Dharma
Who is the founder of Hindu Dharma?
In which area of India did Hindu Dharma originate?