Development of Hinduism Timeline Chart

2500–1500 BCE
  • 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

  • 600–500 BCE

  • 500 BCE

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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