HINDUISM:
the religion which has come to be called Hinduism by Westerners is an
amalgamation of various CULTS and BELIEFS within the common social framework of India's
CASTE system. It acquired its characteristic form in the period after the UPANISHADS
with increasing importance of popular GODS like VSUDEVA, VISHNU, iva, as objects of
devotion. This represented an amalgamation of VEDIC and BRAHMNICAL religion, mediated by a
priestly class, the BRAHMINS. One can distinguish the following periods: (1) the VEDIC,
during which Vedic HYMNS were composed and collected, lasting from the latter part of 2nd
millennium B.C. to about 800 B.C; (2) the UPANISADIC in which a MONISTIC and MONOTHEISTIC
RELIGION developed;( 3) the classical period, during which Hinduism acquired its typical
form. This period lasted from 500 B.C.to 500 A.D; (4) the MEDIEVAL period which was
important for the evolution of BHAKTI cults; (5) finally, the modern period during which
Hinduism came to terms with the impact of the West as mediated by the British. Typically
this last period is identified with VEDNTA although other movements flourished in India
and elsewhere. Hinduism is not usually thought of as a MISSIONARY religion though
organizations like the RAMAKRISHNA and HARE KRISHNA increasingly make UNIVERSAL claims and
seek non-Indian CONVERTS.
