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2000-1500 B.C.E. Ancient Persians settle on land near the Indus River. Early forms of Hinduism are being practiced.
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200 B.C.E. - 320 C.E., Evolved groups of Hinduism begin to form. These included Vaishnavism, where the god Vishnu was the main worship, and Savism, where the god Shiva was the main worship. Eventually two more groups, Shaktism and Smartism, were formed.
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200 B.C.E. - 500 C.E., During this era, there was lots of commerce between countries of South Asia and places around it. Due to this, factors, such as religion, were also spread around, creating a bigger range of Hinduism.
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1600-1400 B.C.E., The Aryans, under the influence of Indra, a war god (also known as the “city-destroyer”, invaded and conquered the Indus Valley. Because of this, the gods of the Aryans, such as Vishnu and Shiva, are introduced to the people and more influence of Hinduism is brought upon them.
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1500 B.C.E., After gaining control of the Indus Valley, the Indo-Aryans began to explore the areas around the Ganges, resulting in the Spread of Hinduism in other civilizations.
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1500-1200 B.C.E, Three Vedic Samhitas were created for the liturgy of Hinduism. They were the Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda and the Yajur-Veda. The Rig-Veda introduced the devas, gods of nature, and the asuras, moral gods. This resulted in a greater influence of Hinduism and merged the cultures of the Aryans and Inus Valley people.
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250 B.C.E., After religious conflict had settled, a movement called Hindu Synthesis began and the three religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, started to share similar customs and beliefs. People of different religions were influenced by Hinduism as a result.
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1100 C.E., At the time, the number of Muslims were increasing. As the Islamic religion grew bigger, Muslims started to persecute Hindus. They did horrible acts such as damaging and destroying Hindu structures such as temples or shrines. After this, the number of Hindus dropped.
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1600-1947 C.E., Britain had begun to explore India and established a governmental system there. Eventually, India was under the rule of Britain and resulted in migration of Indians to other countries. Along with the migration led to the spread of Hinduism to other countries.
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1875 C.E., The teachings of the mystic Ramakrishna had caused a rise to Hinduism again. Because of this, Indian leaders such as Mohandas Gandhi were inspired and help spread the influence of Hinduism around the East.
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1881-1886 C.E., Ramakrishna teaches Vivekananda (Vivekananda decides to learn Ramakrishna’s teaching of Hinduism after meeting him in 1881. After a few years, in 1886, Ramakrishna dies and Vivekananda continues Ramakrishna’s work and spreads his teachings on Hinduism.
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1893-1895 C.E., In this time, Vivekananda discusses Hinduism with the World Parliament of Religions. Through this, Vivekananda becomes the first recognized missionary to carry Hinduism into West. To further spread Hinduism in America, Vivekananda founded the Vendanta Society in 1895.
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To promote the teachings of Ramakrishna, Vivekananda forms Ramakrishna’s Mission in Calcutta, India and helps spread the Hinduism. This even influenced opposing groups throughout the region. It eventually gave rise and spread into more of India.
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1850-1990 C.E., During this century, many Indian leaders such as Swami, Mahasaya, Maharishi, Shankarachary and Mahatma Gandhi embraced Hinduism to many people and countries of the world. Through their teachings, the knowledge of Hinduism was more known and more seen.
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Even after gaining independence from Britain, it was still undecided whether India was a “Hindu country” or a “Muslim country”. Many questions arose and it seemed to be that India was more of a “Hindu country.” This problem grabbed the attention of countries in Europe, Asia, and other regions.
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1947-1999 C.E., After the end of British Rule, it was decided that there be more Hindus in the government of India. This was because there was a majority of Hindus in the population. Muslims felt unfair, that they had disadvantages. Conflicts, rebellions, and wars were caused and the topic of Hindus and Muslims was heard.
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1948 C.E., Nathuram Godse shot Gandhi due to the fact that he was afraid Hindus would try to embrace themselves and become confident because of Gandhi’s teachings. Because of this, however, many people were inspired and leaders rose.
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1972 C.E., Since the Ugandan president was afraid the Ugandan economy would be overrun by Indians, the Indians were sent back either to India or UK (India was part of British Empire). Hinduism moved along with the Indians, spreading into the UK.)
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Hinduism is practiced by many people today. 15% of the world’s population is Hindu, causing it to be the third largest religion. Hinduism is mainly spread throughout India and other countries in South Asia.
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200 B.C.E., Buddhism and Jainism, although having similar concepts as Hinduism, start to become more independent. As a result, the two religions become more popular as Hinduism starts to slow down in growth. However, with similar beliefs in the three religions, a similar idea is being spread.
