Hinduism

Hindu traditions grew across the Indian subcontinent from Vedic, local, devotional, philosophical and temple traditions. The word ‘Hinduism’ is modern, while the practices and schools it gathers are much older and internally diverse. The Vedic corpus developed through oral transmission, while the Upanishads explored questions about the self, ultimate reality and liberation. Temple worship, epic storytelling and regional traditions grew through overlapping historical processes; archaeological evidence does not establish a simple, uninterrupted identity between every ancient practice and a modern one. Tamil Alvar and Nayanar poet-saints helped shape devotional traditions that later flourished in many languages. Philosophers such as Shankara, Ramanuja and Madhva offered distinct understandings of the relationship between self and ultimate reality. Bhakti was not one organisation: its poetry, social criticism and institutions differed across regions.

Hindu traditions have shaped Indian philosophy, literature, dance, music, architecture, pilgrimage, calendars and everyday ritual. Their expression varies greatly by region, language, caste, sect and family. Everyday practice may include lighting a lamp, making a kolam or rangoli, keeping a household shrine, singing devotional songs or observing a family festival. Maharashtra’s Warkari pilgrimage, Bengal’s Durga Puja, Tamil temple festivals and Himalayan deity processions express different local histories. Religious art is also a living livelihood: bronze casting, garland-making, music, theatre and textile work connect artisans with households and temples. Contemporary debates concern caste exclusion, gender, access to worship, environmental care and the interpretation of inherited customs. No single practice represents every Hindu family.