Question

How did Hinduism originate?

A.
It grew out of the overlapping beliefs of different groups in India.

B.
It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama.

C.
It originated as a sect of Jainism.

D.
It was first practiced by the ancient Indus civilization.

Answer 1

Hinduism originated from the overlapping beliefs and cultural interactions in the Indus River Valley some 4,500 years ago, making it the oldest major religion in the world with diverse traditions and no single founder.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hinduism originated as a result of the overlapping beliefs and traditions of various groups in the region of the Indus River Valley, around 4,500 years ago in modern-day northwest India and Pakistan. It did not originate from a single teacher or as a sect of another religion but developed over time from many traditions. Known as the world's oldest religion, Hinduism saw its evolution during the periods after the Vedic Age and in response to the influence of Buddhism and other cultural interactions in ancient India. This complex synthesis, which included divinities and concepts from other religious traditions, made Hinduism accessible and appealing to a wide variety of people in India.

Answer 2

Hinduism developed from the religion that the Aryans brought to India with them in about 1500 BC. Its beliefs and practices are based on the Vedas, a collection of hymns (thought to refer to actual historical events) that Aryan scholars had completed by about 800 BC.