Arguably almost all the scholars working with sacred Hindu texts and works believe that the traces of this religion can be traced as back as 3000 B.C. 

Around 3000 B.C. the Indo-Aryans split from the Indo-Iranian and migrated south of Bactria to reach India. Cultural and Social blend of the Indo-Aryans and the indigenous population led to the birth of a new religion a few centuries later.

What are the most important Sacred Hindu texts?

 Sacred Hindu texts includes :-

•The Ramayana.

•The four Vedas, the Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda and the Atharva Veda texts.

•The Gita.

•The 18 Puranas some of which are the Vishnu Purana, Garuda Purana, Matsya Purana.

•Vedanta

The earliest civilisation known to follow Hinduism was the Indus Valley Civilisation. Indus Valley Civilisation was situated in modern day India, Pakistan, till the border of Iran. 

Two major cities with citizens enjoying high- quality life, proper drainage system, running water and a proper way of paying taxes were Harappa and Mohenjo- Daro.

All the religious texts mentioned above were created in the Vedic Age and the Classical Age. Many mantras and songs to impress the Gods and Goddess were created in the medieval period and medieval period also saw the rise of many saints and gurus who advocated “Sanatana” as the way of life.

Two broad categories on the basis of worship in Hindu religion are the Vishanavites (people who worship Lord Vishnu) and the Shavites (people who worship Lord Shiv). 

Spread of Hinduism outside India.

It is believed that early merchants of the common era settled in Southeast Asia and brought along with them Brahmin and Buddhist monks. Massive temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu were built in the ancient Khmer empire, affirming the desire and respect of Hindu religion in the region.

Renowned Lord Vishnu’s temple Angkor Wat, was built in the 12th century in present day Cambodia, although it was soon converted to (and is still in use as) a Buddhist temple.

Under British standards, the combination of India’s heap ways of thinking, convictions, and customs started to come to fruition. The British “creation” of Hinduism was an endeavor to arrange the different, native practices, and love of divine beings and goddesses all through India. With the assistance of Brahmin ministers, British researchers deciphered the Vedas from Sanskrit and introduced them as the uniform, legitimate writings of Hinduism.

Cultural and Religious practices associated with Hinduism spread to Sri Lanka and Nepal with Nepal having the highest population of Hindus outside a non Hindu country. There Hinduism blended with local religious and social practices.

How many people have migrated from India?

The total population of Hindus in the world is 1.4 billion or 15.2% of the world population. According to a report there are more than 19 million immigrants of India living around the world out of which approximately 12 million are Hindus.

Few reasons why Indians migrate abroad :-

•The idea of receiving better quality education.

•Moved by the prevalent opinion of the west being better than the east.

•Lack of jobs or underpaid work.

•Planning to start a new life due to social or family issues.

•Eager to explore the world.

•Curious to learn about new cultures, languages and the social life of its people.

What has changed?

Like any other religion, the many interpretations have degraded the true essence of Hinduism or the Sanatan Dharma. Hindus have forgotten the moral of Ramayan. They have become Ravan while thinking that they are Ram in the name of Ram. 

Killing, lynching, mob attacks will only make you less Hindu. Devotion, Love, respect and brotherhood will help you realise Ram. So I will leave you with the choice of becoming Ravan or Ram. I know you will make a wise decision.