History of Hinduism

By andrew.kohrs
  • 4600 BCE

    Creation of the World

    Creation of the World
    The world was created by three Gods, Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu at around 4,600,000,000 B.C. Brahma specifically was tasked with the creation of the world.
  • 1600 BCE

    Aryan Invasion

    Aryan Invasion
    Aryans invade the Indus River Valley which brings a new language called Sanskrit. This heavily influences the developing religion of Hinduism.
  • 1500 BCE

    Writing of the Vedas

    Writing of the Vedas
    This period begins which is when the first Hindu scriptures are written. This is also when other religions begin such as Buddhism.
  • 800 BCE

    Upanishads written

    Upanishads written
    The main eleven Upanishads are written around this time. These become the fundamental passages of Hinduism.
  • 500 BCE

    Epics written

    Epics written
    The epics which shows the history of mortal men are written. The beginning of devotion to Hinduism is started.
  • 320 BCE

    Maurya Empire

    Maurya Empire
    This empire is founded and is one of the largest empires of the time. It establishes Hinduism as the major religion despite controversy.
  • 500

    Gupta Empire Falls

    Gupta Empire Falls
    The Gupta Empire, which stabilized Hinduism, was over ridden by the Huns. The era of peace and prosperity is ended.
  • 788

    Birth of Sankaracharya in 788 A.D.

    Birth of Sankaracharya in 788 A.D.
    Sankaracharya was an Indian philosopher and theologian who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. He is credited with unifying and establishing the main currents of thought of Hinduism.
  • 1498

    European's arrive

    European's arrive
    Vasco De Gama's arrival marked the first European involvement in India. Europeans and missionaries arrive which puts Hinduism at risk.

  • Hindu Outlawed

    Hindu Outlawed
    Mogul emperor Aurangzeb outlaws Hindu worship in India. This created widespread controversy and panic.

  • India under British Rule

    India under British Rule
    Parliament ends the rule of the East India Company which places India under control of the British Crown. Britain slowly starts to reform India which threatens Hinduism.

  • Vedanta Society Formed

    Vedanta Society Formed
    Vedanta society is formed and promoted Hinduism in the West. It also advocated for India to be a single country.

  • Ghandi resists

    Ghandi resists
    Ghandi launches a campaign to protest British involvement. He encourages Indians to leave British institutions and rely on themselves.

  • Partition of India

    Partition of India
    British India won it's independence from the British. Split the countries into India and Pakistan.

  • Ghandi Murdered

    Ghandi Murdered
    Ghandi was murdered by Nathuram Godse in 1948. This brought the country to a crossroads as one of the most influential people in India was gone.