Hinduism and Its History - PowerPoint Slides.pptx

Hinduism and its history

1. Retrieval Practice List the five major world religions found in Ireland today, ranking them by population. Name the founders of each of the five major world religions. Name a moral code associated with each of the five major world religions. 4. Define each of the following terms: Monotheism Polytheism Atheism Agnosticism

2. List the five major world religions found in Ireland today, ranking them by population.

3. List the five major world religions found in Ireland today, ranking them by population. Christianity Islam Hinduism Buddhism Judaism

4. Name the founders of each of the five major world religions. Christianity Islam Hinduism Buddhism Judaism

5. Name the founders of each of the five major world religions. Christianity Jesus Christ Islam Muhammad Hinduism Unknown Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama (aka The Buddha) Judaism Abraham

6. Name a moral code associated with each of the five major world religions. Christianity The Ten Commandments The Beatitudes The Law of Love Islam The Five Pillars of Islam Hinduism Karma and Dharma Buddhism The Eightfold Path The Five Precepts Judaism The Ten Commandments

7. Define each of the following terms: Monotheism Polytheism Atheism Agnosticism

8. Define each of the following terms: Monotheism The belief that there is only one God. Polytheism The belief in and worship of more than one God. Atheism The view that God or gods do not exist. Agnosticism A belief that we cannot know for certain whether God or gods exist or not.

9. Hinduism and Its History

10. What I know about Hinduism

11. Learning Goal: Identify and explain the origins of Hinduism.

12. The Indus Valley Civilisation Region on a Modern Map

13. Visual Reconstruction of an Indus Valley Town

14. Ruins of Mohenjo Daro - An Ancient City in the Indus Valley

15. The 7 Rishis

16. The 7 Rishis Wise holy men or sages who are said to have received The Vedas and passed them onto others. They are seen by some as the ‘founders’ of Hinduism.

17. Map of ‘British India’ (1914)

18. Colonialism When one country takes control of another country and its people. The term Hinduism was made popular by British colonial writers.

19. Solo Work What is unique about Hinduism compared to other world religions we study? Who are The 7 Rishis, and why are they sometimes called ‘founders’? Why might some Hindus prefer the term Sanatana Dharma instead of Hinduism?

20. What is unique about Hinduism compared to other world religions we study?

21. What is unique about Hinduism compared to other world religions we study? Hinduism is unique because it has no single founder , no one sacred text of supreme importance , and no central leadership . Instead, it developed over thousands of years from the Indus Valley Civilisation , the Vedic people , and later cultural practices.

22. Who are The 7 Rishis, and why are they sometimes called ‘founders’?

23. Who are The 7 Rishis, and why are they sometimes called ‘founders’? The 7 Rishis were wise holy men or sages who are believed to have received the Vedas through divine inspiration. They are sometimes called the founders of Hinduism because they passed on these teachings, even though Hinduism does not have one single founder.

24. Why might some Hindus prefer the term Sanatana Dharma instead of Hinduism?

25. Why might some Hindus prefer the term Sanatana Dharma instead of Hinduism? Some Hindus prefer the term Sanatana Dharma, which means eternal law , because it reflects the idea that their religion is a timeless way of life . The word Hinduism was popularised by the British during colonial times , and some see it as an outside label rather than the true name of their tradition.

26. 2025 Mock Exam - Question 3(a)

27. 2025 Mock Exam - Question 3(b)

28. 2025 Mock - Question 3(b) - Sample Answer Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, but it is unusual because it has no single founder. Its origins go back over 3,000 years. The earliest stage is the Indus Valley Civilisation (about 2500–1500 BCE). Later, the Vedic people migrated into India and brought religious ideas, including the Vedas. In Hindu tradition, the 7 Rishis (sages) are said to have received the Vedas through divine inspiration and passed them on to humanity. This is why they are sometimes called the spiritual founders of Hinduism. Unlike other religions, Hinduism has many sacred texts rather than one main book. The word Hinduism itself is quite new. It was popularised by British colonial writers in the 19th century, but many Hindus prefer the older name Sanatana Dharma, meaning eternal law.

29. Previously…. Identify and explain the origins of Hinduism.

30. Retrieval Practice What ancient civilisation influenced the beginnings of Hinduism? 2 . What is unusual about Hinduism compared to other major religions? 3. Why are the 7 Rishis sometimes called the founders of Hinduism? 4. Who first popularised the term Hinduism? 5. What does ‘Sanatana Dharma’ mean?

31. Feedback: Specific key terms & examples must always be used. Clearly answer the question asked. Make this obvious in your first sentence. Use as many of the lines provided as possible.

32. Learning Goal: Describe the key beliefs of Hinduism.

33. Hinduism - Key Beliefs Today, more than 90% of the world’s Hindus live in India. There are more than a billion Hindus worldwide. Within Hinduism there is a massive amount of diversity of beliefs. There are numerous different denominations, sects, and cults - all of whom find a home under the label of ‘Hinduism’ without being divided against one another. In the modern day, many Hindus view Hinduism as a ‘way of life’ rather than a religion.

34. Hinduism and the Divine Hinduism is generally described as a polytheistic religion because there is a wide range of divine beings within the culture. However, there is also a belief that is widely agreed that there is one creative force in the universe - Brahman. Today, Hindus are generally divided into followers of Vishnu, Shiva, or Shakti. Nearly all Hindus look upon one of these as the one in charge of the destiny of the universe.

35. Hinduism and the Divine Deity Worshipped Denomination Vishnu The protector of the world. Vaishnavism Shiva The destroyer and the restorer. Shaivism Shakti Depending on her form, she can be either fierce or beneficial. Shaktism

36. Vishnu

37. Shiva

38. Shakti

39. Hinduism and the Divine As well as these three primary deities, others that are still widely worshipped today include: Ganesha / Ganesa - The elephant-headed son of Shiva and Shakti. Lakshmi - The patroness of wealth. Saraswati - The goddess of learning and the arts.

40. Ganesha

41. Lakshmi

42. Saraswati

43. Sacred Text Unlike the other world religions, there is no supreme sacred text in Hinduism. However, most Hindus revere The Vedas as an important source of sacred literature. Other sacred texts include: The Bhagavad Gita The Bhagavata Purana Ramayana

44. Hinduism & Reincarnation The belief in the reincarnation of souls is a common feature of Hinduism. This belief stems from the belief that all living things in the world are part of the same essence, originating with Brahman. All individuals pass through a cycle of birth and death known as Samsara. This means that an individual soul - atman - may return several times in different forms - from human, to animal, or even vegetable forms.

45. Think - Pair - Share: How might a belief in Samsara impact and influence the daily life of a Hindu?

46. Think - Pair - Share: How might a belief in Samsara impact and influence the daily life of a Hindu?

47. Karma What a person, or life form, does with their life will impact and dictate their next life after death. This is the key belief of Karma - or the law of cause and effect.

48. Dharma A moral and religious code of conduct for individual souls aiming to break the cycle of birth and death. The word dharma means righteousness.

49. Moksha - Breaking the Cycle The goal of the individual is to escape the cycle of birth and death, so that the soul (atman) can eventually become part of the ultimate soul - Brahman.

50. Ahimsa This is the idea of nonviolence, and is shared with other religious worldviews that began in India, like Buddhism and Jainism.

51. A nimals & Nature Many animals and plants are seen as sacred to Hindus. Many, but not all, Hindus practice vegetarianism as they see eating meat as against the belief of ahimsa. The most notable of these animals is the cow. All cattle are protected, and even among Hindu castes that are not vegetarian, beef is not eaten. Other animals that are considered holy include: monkeys, tree squirrels, and some snakes. Some particular types of tree are classified as sacred trees. All rivers are seen as somewhat sacred, but The Ganges in the north of India is the holiest river in Hinduism as it is said to flow from the head of Shiva. Millions of pilgrims visit this river each year. People are seen as sacred according to their station in life. For example, parents are holy to their children, and teachers are holy to their students.

52. Worship The act of worship in Hinduism is known as puja. Puja can range from everyday prayer in the home to big ceremonies in temples. The type of worship varies hugely across Hinduism, but the basic structure involves praying for a particular god to enter the home or temple, and then entertaining the deity as a royal guest. Hindu temples range in size from tiny village shrines to massive complexes the size of small cities. Unlike other religions, services are not carried out at fixed times. Worshippers may visit a temple or shrine to meditate or take part in chanting. Images of gods - called murtis - are given gifts of flowers, fruit, or perfumes, and visitors are often given small portions of consecrated food. Worship at home is similar to worship in a temple. It includes giving offerings to the gods and reading from sacred text.

53. Festivals Significant temples hold a festival at least once a year. These festivals are combinations of religious ceremonies, processions of important gods, music, and dancing. Diwali, the festival of lights, takes place with exchanges of gifts, lighting of ceremonial maps, and fireworks to frighten away the spirits of the dead. It is the most widely observed festival in Hinduism, and takes place over the course of five days in late October or early November. Holi is another important festival, and it takes place in Spring. People throw coloured powder and water at one another.

54. Learning Goal: Describe the key beliefs of Hinduism.

55. Retrieval Practice Describe an example of a religious ritual that people use to celebrate a particular moment in life. Describe an example of a non-religious ritual that people use to celebrate a particular moment in life.

56. Previously…. Describe the key beliefs of Hinduism.

57. Homework Using a full copy page, summarise the key beliefs of Hinduism. You could use a detailed mind-map, poster, or set of illustrations. All key beliefs covered in class should be included and explained briefly.

58. Learning Goal: Explain the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi to Hinduism.

59. P. 164

60. P. 166 Qs 1-5 What does the quote at the end of page 164 say about Gandhi? How significant was the turning point in Gandhi’s life? What does ‘ satyagraha ’ mean? Would this work in today’s world? Why, do you think, did Gandhi see the division of India as a tragedy? Do you think Gandhi died too early? Why/why not?

61. Gandhi’s contribution to Hinduism: Mahatma Gandhi helped shape modern Hinduism by putting non-violence, truth, and equality at its heart. He taught that God is found in truth, that all people are equal, and that Hindus should live simply and peacefully. Gandhi also showed that Hinduism can respect and learn from other religions.

62. Extension Task Imagine that you could go back in time and interview Gandhi. Write three questions that you would ask him. Based on what we have learned about him, consider what his answer might be.

63. Learning Goal: Explain the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi to Hinduism.

64. Previously…. Explain the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi to Hinduism.

65. Learning Goals: Outline a major time of expansion in Hinduism’s history. Explain a challenge faced in the history of Hinduism.

66. Hinduism: A Time of Expansion

67. Hinduism: A Time of Expansion Expansion: When something grows bigger or spreads into new places.

68. Hinduism: A Time of Expansion Expansion: When something grows bigger or spreads into new places. In religion, this means when beliefs reach new places and gain new followers.

69. Hinduism: A Time of Expansion Expansion: When something grows bigger or spreads into new places. In religion, this means when beliefs reach new places and gain new followers. In the 20th Century, large numbers of Hindus emigrated outside of India for various reasons, including: Work Education Colonial links Political changes

70. Key destinations included: The UK The USA Canada South Africa Trinidad Fiji Mauritius

71. Key destinations included: The UK The USA Canada South Africa Trinidad Fiji Mauritius As Hindus settled in these countries: Temples were built Festivals like Diwali and Holi were celebrated publicly Yoga, meditation, and vegetarianism spread.

72. As a result of this period of expansion: Hinduism became a global religion that is visible in multicultural societies Helped to shape art, food, music, and interfaith dialogue Hindu identify adapted while keeping core beliefs.

73. George Harrison - The ‘Hindu’ Beatle?

74. George Harrison - “My Sweet Lord” - “Hare Krishna!”

75. Focus Tasks Describe three of the ways that Hinduism expanded in the 20th Century. Create a mind-map to outline the expansion of Hinduism in the 20th Century.

76. Learning Goals: Outline a major time of expansion in Hinduism’s history. Explain a challenge faced in the history of Hinduism.

77. Hinduism: A Time of Challenge

78. Hinduism: A Time of Challenge Challenge: The Division between Hindus and Muslims during the formation of India and Pakistan

79. Hinduism: A Time of Challenge Challenge: The Division between Hindus and Muslims during the formation of India and Pakistan While it was a majority Hindu country, India was home to both Hindus and Muslims (and other minority faiths) for centuries.

80. Hinduism: A Time of Challenge Challenge: The Division between Hindus and Muslims during the formation of India and Pakistan While it was a majority Hindu country, India was home to both Hindus and Muslims (and other minority faiths) for centuries. When India gained independence from the British in 1947 , leaders divided the country into: India - majority Hindu Pakistan - majority Muslim

81. Partition caused one of the largest migrations in history. Millions of Hindus fled Pakistan to India, and millions of Muslims moved the other way.

82. Partition caused one of the largest migrations in history. Millions of Hindus fled Pakistan to India, and millions of Muslims moved the other way. Violence broke out between communities and over one million people were killed. Families were separated, and homes and temples were lost.

83. Partition caused one of the largest migrations in history. Millions of Hindus fled Pakistan to India, and millions of Muslims moved the other way. Violence broke out between communities and over one million people were killed. Families were separated, and homes and temples were lost. This led to lasting tensions between Muslims and Hindus, which still impacts relations today.

84. O ne of the biggest challenges in Hindu history was the Partition of India in 1947. The country was divided into India (mainly Hindu) and Pakistan (mainly Muslim). This led to violence, migration, and suffering for millions. It shows how religion and politics can cause deep divisions, but also how communities must learn to live together.

85. Learning Goals: Outline a major time of expansion in Hinduism’s history. Explain a challenge faced in the history of Hinduism.