Development of Hinduism Timeline Chart
2500–1500 BCE
Indus Valley Civilization Period
The Indus Valley Civilization developed and flourished in the basin of the Indus River, with evidence of early...
2500–1500 BCE
- Development and Flourishing
The Indus Valley Civilization, known for its advanced urban planning and culture, developed and flourished in the basin of the Indus River.
- Early Hindu Practices
Evidence of early Hindu practices includes ritual baths and fire altars, indicating the origins of some Hindu traditions.
1500 BCE
Vedic Period Begins
Debate over Aryan migration versus cultural transformation thesis; the composition of the Rig Veda marks the s...
1500 BCE
800 BCE
Upanishads Written
The eleven major Upanishads are written, introducing key Hindu concepts like reincarnation, karma, and moksha....
800 BCE
600–500 BCE
Emergence of Buddhism and Jainism
Buddhism and Jainism break away from the main flow of Hinduism, introducing new spiritual and social ideas.
600–500 BCE
500 BCE
Epic and Puranic Texts
The Epics and Puranas are written, marking the beginning of devotional Hinduism with a focus on deities like S...
500 BCE
- Composition of the Mahabharata and Ramayana
The Mahabharata and Ramayana, two major epics of Hinduism, are composed, focusing on dharma and devotion to deities.
- Development of Puranas
The Puranas are written, providing narratives about the gods, the creation of the universe, and genealogies of gods and sages.
400 BCE–800 AD
Hindu Response to Buddhism and Jainism
Hinduism evolves in response to Buddhism and Jainism; the Gupta Empire fosters the development of Vaishnavism,...
400 BCE–800 AD
326 BCE
Alexander the Great’s Invasion
Alexander’s invasion introduces Hellenic culture to India, influencing local traditions.
326 BCE
268–232 BCE
Reign of Ashoka
Ashoka's rule leads to the promotion of Dharma and Buddhism, impacting Hinduism.
268–232 BCE
52 CE–500 AD
Introduction of Christianity
Christianity is introduced to India, with early presence by Thomas the Apostle and formal establishment by the...
52 CE–500 AD
200 AD
Codification of Hindu Laws
Hindu laws are codified, marking a significant development in the legal and social aspects of Hinduism.
200 AD
320–500 AD
Gupta Empire
The Gupta Empire's rise ushers in a period of stability and prosperity, leading to the consolidation of Hindu ...
320–500 AD
500 AD
Fall of Gupta Empire
The Gupta Empire falls, leading to the fragmentation of India into weaker entities.
500 AD
788 AD
Birth of Adi Sankaracharya
Adi Sankaracharya, a significant philosopher and scholar, is born, introducing important monotheistic beliefs ...
788 AD
800–1000 AD
Bhakti Movements Rise
The Bhakti movement emphasizes devotion to God, responding to various pressures and reforming Hindu practices....
800–1000 AD
900 AD
Shankara’s Monotheism
Shankara introduces the concept of one Brahman, bringing significant monotheistic beliefs into Hinduism.
900 AD
950 AD
Queen Sembiyan Madhavi
Queen Sembiyan Madhavi dedicates her life to building Hindu temples and monasteries.
950 AD
600 CE–1100 AD
Arrival of Islam in India
Islam arrives in India through trade and invasions, including the introduction of Shia Islam and Turkic invasi...
600 CE–1100 AD
1400–1700 AD
European Arrival
Europeans arrive in India, impacting Hindu culture and society with their colonial ambitions.
1400–1700 AD
1542 AD
Mogul Emperor Akbar
Akbar's efforts to unite Muslims and Hindus highlight religious tolerance and reform.
1542 AD
1600 AD
Hindu Renaissance
The Hindu Renaissance begins, focusing on modern interpretations of Hindu texts and social reform.
1600 AD
1605 AD
Jahangir’s Rule
Jahangir’s rule incorporates both Muslim and Hindu teachings.
1605 AD
1669 AD
Aurangzeb Outlaws Hindu Worship
Aurangzeb outlaws Hindu worship, leading to forced conversions.
1669 AD
1757 AD
Battle of Plassey
Robert Clive's victory at the Battle of Plassey ends the Mogul Empire and establishes British dominance.
1757 AD
1861 AD
British Raj Criminalizes Homosexuality
Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code criminalizes homosexual activities under British rule.
1861 AD
1894 AD
Paramahansa Ramakrishna
Ramakrishna inspires the Ramakrishna Order; Swami Vivekananda introduces Hinduism to the West.
1894 AD
- Foundation of Ramakrishna Order
Paramahansa Ramakrishna inspires the establishment of the Ramakrishna Order, focusing on spiritual practice and religious unity.
- Swami Vivekananda’s Global Influence
Swami Vivekananda introduces Hinduism to the Western world, promoting spiritual and philosophical ideas.
1960s AD
Migration to the West
Hindu migrate to Britain and North America; Transcendental Meditation and Hare Krishna movement gain global po...
1960s AD
1979 AD
Hindu Temple in Manitoba
The Hindu Society of Manitoba opens its first Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre in Winnipeg.
1979 AD
1990s–Present
Global Hindu Communities
Hindu communities expand globally; significant temples are built around the world.
1990s–Present
1997 AD
Deepak Obhrai and K. R. Narayanan
Deepak Obhrai becomes the first Hindu-Canadian elected to Canadian Parliament; K. R. Narayanan becomes Preside...
1997 AD
2001 AD
Kumbh Mela Festival
The Kumbh Mela Festival is recognized as the largest religious gathering in the world.
2001 AD
2007 AD
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto
The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is consecrated in Toronto, representing a significant Hindu temple in Canada.
2007 AD