Hinduism, unlike Christianity and other Western religions, does not have a single founder, a specific theological system, a single system of morality, or a central religious organization. It consists of many different religious groups. It is the world's third largest religion, and has between 800 – 850 million followers.
The term "Hinduism" came from Greek and Persian travelers during the 16th century. Many Hindus have accepted this name for themselves, and also use "Veda," or "Vedic religion," which refers to the ancient texts of their tradition, or Sanatana Dharma (Eternal Law).
A Hindus duty involves following his caste's guidelines and honoring the gods. One of the ways Hindus honor their gods is to observe the ceremonies and festivals associated with their chosen deity. They also express the love of their gods through their art like most other religions. Statues of bronze, resin, and other material are used to honor and worship them. Many gardens in western countries are adorned with statues derived from Hindu art.
Some Hindus give alms, take vows, or go on pilgrimages at special times during the year. One important festival observed by many Hindus is the festival of Diwali, or the Hindu New Year.
Hinduism embraces a great diversity of beliefs. A Hindu may believe a variety of things about god and the universe and still be considered a Hindu. Hinduism is one of the most open-minded religions in the world. There are some common beliefs among most forms of Hinduism. Brahmans, (priests); the authority of Vedas, (Indian sacred text); reincarnation, (when the soul passes from one body to another at death); and karma, (determines a persons destiny during his/her’s life and after death).
Shiva, Ganesh, and Kali statues are just a few of the deities from Hindu Art that you will find the Hindus use to express the love they have for their gods.
3,000–1500 BCE: Indus Valley Civilisation (Old Chronology), or
6,000–1900 BCE: Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation (New Chronology)
1500–500 BCE: Vedic Period (some say, beginning with the Aryan migration
500 BCE–500 CE: Epic, Puranic and Classical Ages
500 CE–1200 CE: Early and Middle Medieval Period
Early development of bhakti (esp. in South India).
Formation of sampradayas contesting internally and externally
Theological establishment of Vedanta.
1200–1757 CE: Muslim Period
Bhakti saints and the cultivation of personal piety
Development of the theistic traditions
1757–1947 CE: British Period
The reform movements and birth of neo-Hinduism
1947 CE–present: Independent India
Migration to Britain
Hinduism established as a world religion.
