CHAPTER 3: Early Hinduism
Chapter Objectives
After reading this chapter, the student should be able to:
• Recognize the range and complexity of Hindu beliefs and practices.
• Identify indigenous cultures and religious beliefs present in India before the invasion of Indo-
Chapter Summary
Hinduism is actually a very diverse family of religions. Modern Hindus when speaking
among themselves prefer to use the word dharma which means “way of life and thought.” Pre-
Aryan India served as the original environment for the Vedic age which continued to develop
after the arrival of the Indo-Aryans. Our knowledge of the Indo-Aryan gods is drawn from the
four Vedas: Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, Yajur-Veda, and Atharva-Veda, with the Rig-Veda being the
primary source. Though many gods existed, emphasis is directed at the primary gods,
specifically, Indra, Shiva and Varuna.
The philosophic basis of the religion though highly speculative is contained in the
Upanishads, which are appendages to the Vedas. These texts are often presented as dialogues.
Monism developed from the philosophical quest to merge the material world and the non-
material or inner self. The resulting all inclusive (material and non-material) is the Brahman,
while pure consciousness is turiya.
Chapter Outline
I. Introduction
II. The Religion of the Vedic Age
A. Pre-Aryan India
B. The Coming of the Indo-Aryans
C. Aryan Social Structure
D. The Rig-Veda
1. Public Rites
2. Brahmin and The Brahmin’s Role
E. Henotheism
F. The Other Vedas
G. Magic and Rudimentary Science
H. The Close of the Vedic Period
I. Aryan Conquest and Compromise
III. Brahmanism, Caste, and Ceremonial Life
A. The Rise of the Class System
H. Brahman
1. Brahman and He-She/It
2. Manifest and Unmanifest Brahman
I. Brahman and Atman
1. “That Art Thou”
Discussion Questions
1. During the Vedic period a shift in religious and philosophic inquiry brought questions about
cosmology (origins of the world) and the unity of all beings into examination. What spiritual
and societal factors do you think contributed to this religious expansion of ideas?