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4600 BCE
Hinduism - The Beginning
There are multiple creation stories, but according to Brhadaryanka Upanishad 1.4: the world is said to have come into existence because the Primeval One, having become bored being the only being in existence, split Itself into a variety of forms and manifestations so that, through them, It could experience a loving and playful relationship with Itself. -
2500 BCE
The Indus River Valley Begins to Develop
Archaeological evidence suggests that early Hindu practice began in the Indus River Valley. The first known evidence points to the Indus River Valley civilization developing around 2500 BCE. -
1500 BCE
Writing of the Vedas
The Vedas are a collection of hymns and other ancient religious texts written in India. It includes elements such as liturgical material as well as mythological accounts, poems, prayers, and formulas. -
1122 BCE
Construction Begins of the Hindu Temple at Angkor
It was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the capital of the Khmer Empire. Breaking from the Shaiva tradition of previous kings, Angkor was instead dedicated to Vishnu. -
800 BCE
The Major Upanishads are Written
The eleven major Upanishads are written and become the fundamental texts of Hinduism. These introduce the ideas of reincarnation and karma, that those who are righteous in the current life will be reborn in a better life until they eventually reach Nirvana. -
770 BCE
The Kailash Temple is Completed & Dedicated to Shiva
The Kailash Temple is one of the 34 cave temples and monasteries known collectively as the Ellora Caves. The Kailash temple at Ellora was built by the Rashtrakuta Dynasty as a temple for Lord Shiva and was supposedly designed to mimic Mount Kailash. -
320 BCE
The Gupta Empire is Founded
Maharaja Sri Gupta founds the Gupta Empire which covers much of the Indian subcontinent. It brings in a time of peace and prosperity that allows Hindu culture to stabilize and grow. -
Hindu Renaissance
The Hindu Renaissance begins around 1600. Scholars focused on more modern interpretations of the sacred texts and on social reform. -
Parliament Puts India Under British Control
Parliament places India directly under control of the British on August 2, 1858. India is now governed by colonial rule with British officials ruling and holding top positions. Britain continues to develop India for its own economic benefit. -
The Vedanta Society is Formed
The Vedanta Society was formed by Vivekananda. This society promoted Hinduism as a religion in the west and argued for India's integration as a single nation. -
Gandhi Launches a Campaign of Noncooperation
Am Indian lawyer, named Mahatma Gandhi, launched a two-year campaign of noncooperation. He encouraged Indians to practice self-reliance.
Gandhi was forced to stop the campaign when he was arrested but became the most recognized leader of the Indian nationalist movement! -
The Partition of India
British India won its independence from the British and split into two new states that would rule themselves. The new countries were India and Pakistan.
