a reincarnation or manifestation of a deity in earthly form

- Hinduism was termed by colonizers to refer to the religion of the Indians.

- also said to be revealed through rishis (seers/visionaries)

- other theories say that it is a fushion of many indigenous religions in the Indian region

circa 2500 B.C. - c. 1600 B.C

the earliest known Hindu culture that spread across the Punjab region.

Known for their impressive technological advances in city-building emphasis on worshipping goddesses

- written between c. 1500 B.C. - c. 600 B.C.

- an oral tradition that was passed down through the rishis and eventually transmitted to text

- four Vedic scripts: Rig, Sama, Yajur and Atharva

- most important ritualistic texts, especially to the Brahmins

- written by God who is perfect and flawless therefore the Vedas are perfect and flawless in itself

A pantheon of deities that are not worshipped in mordern days. Most are forces of nature.

Indra: the warrior goddesses

Agni: the god of fire and the messenger of the gods

Soma: god who identifies with both the moon and the plant elixir, serves for ritualistic purposes

Sarasvati: is the inspirer of noble and true thoughts and speech

- the protector and preserver of the universe

- the second god of the Hindu triumvirate (or trimurti) who are collectively responsible for the creation, upkeep and destruction of this world

- Came to Earth in reincarnations or avataras

- 9/10 reincarnations have supposedly happened

- the destroyer
- great god of the Upanishadic Era

- did not reveal himself through reincarnations but expressed his powers through contradictory roles (i.e: creator and destroyer)

Shakti: the mother goddess who is also seen in roles such as Durga, Sati, Parvati and Kali

Lakshmi: the goddess of light, beauty, good fortune and wealth. The consort of Vishnu

Kali: the goddess of time, change and destruction. Also known as the Dark Mother

The story of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana who go into exile. Sita is captured and Rama goes into battle with Ravana to get Sita back.

- this epic is an example of human virtue

 - also the later reincarnation of Vishnu

Story of Arjuna and Krishna. Arjuna goes into battle with his family, but seeks guidance from Krishna because he is unsure if it is the right thing to do

- main focus: doing what is right, protecting the dharma by all necessary means

1. Brahmin: the highest class, priests, able to teach the Vedas

2. Kshatriyas: the ruler and warrior class. the protectors of the people. permitted to study the Vedas

3. Vaishyas: the merchant class, responsible for the commercial transactions, agricultural work and raising cattle. Permitted to study the Vedas

4. Shudras: the servant class. Their purpose is to serve others, not permitted to accumulate wealth

1. Studenthood, full concentration on education

2. Repay debts, marry and fulfill social and religious obligations. This is the furthest most men go

3. Retire to the forest with wife for a simple life dedicated to the gods and recitation of the Vedas

4. An elderly man would renounce the world for an ascetic life.

1. Kama: sensual pleasure

2. Artha: wealth and power

3. Dharma: discharging of one's duties

4. Moksha: liberation from the cycle of birth and death