Hinduism ap world history

Definition

Hindus are followers of Hinduism, one of the world's oldest religions, which originated in the Indian subcontinent. This belief system encompasses a variety of philosophies, rituals, and cultural practices, often emphasizing concepts such as dharma (duty), karma (action and consequence), and moksha (liberation). In the context of decolonization after 1900, the role of Hindus in the independence movement, particularly in India, showcases how religious identity intersected with national identity during a time of significant political change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hinduism is not just a religion but a way of life for many Hindus, encompassing philosophy, culture, and social practices.
2. The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, became a central platform for Hindus advocating for independence from British colonial rule.
3. Mahatma Gandhi's approach to nonviolent resistance was deeply influenced by Hindu teachings and significantly shaped the Indian independence movement.
4. During the process of decolonization, Hindu identity was often tied to nationalism, leading to both unity and conflict among different religious commun
   
   

   Hinduism

   Page Summary This page focuses on the roots and beliefs of Hinduism and how it is worshipped. Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world, behind Christianity and Islam with nearly one billion followers. (Summary by Abigail Bedard, 2021).

    

   Om, a symbol in Hinduism

   Cross- Links to other pages on World Religions

    

    

    

    

    

    

   Link also the World Religions from United Religions Initiative

    

    

    

   
   Many historians believe the origins of Hinduism date back 5,000 or more years. The word "Hindu" comes from the Indus River. During ancient times, the Indus river was called the "Sindhu," but the Persians who migrated to India pronounced the river "Hindu." They referred to the land as "Hindustan" and called its inhabitants "Hindus."
   
   The roots of Hinduism can be found in the Indus civilization. 

    

   The Indus worshiped multiple gods and goddesses and considered rivers to be sacred. In 1500 BCE, the Aryans arrived and heavily influenced India. Their religion began to blend with the Indus religion forming the beginnings of Hinduism. Hindus believe in

   AP World History World Religions Review | 2025 Study Guide

   Introduction: Why Religions Matter in AP World

   Religion is one of the most tested themes in AP World History. From Buddhism on the Silk Roads to Christianity during the Reformation and Islam during the expansion of empires, religions shaped societies, governments, and cultural exchanges.

   For the exam, you need to know core beliefs, patterns of spread, and historical impacts of major world religions. This guide covers the big five (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism), plus Confucianism and other traditions, with strategies and RevisionDojo tools to help you remember them for essays, DBQs, and MCQs.

   Step 1: The Major World Religions

   Buddhism

   • Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (India, 5th century BCE).
   • Core belief: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, end of suffering.
   • Spread via Silk Roads + missionaries to China, Korea, Japan, SE Asia.
   • Adaptations: Mahayana Buddhism (China), Zen (Japan).

   Christianity

   • Founded in 1st century CE, based on teachings of Jesus.
   • Spread through Roman Empire, later Europe, Latin America, Africa.
   • Core belief: Salvation through faith, Bible as scripture.
   • Split:
     
     

     Buddhism

     Buddhism originated during the 6th century BCE in India. The founder of this religion was Siddharta Gautama. Buddhists strive to fulfill Nirvana or enlightenment. Once pain and suffering ended, the enlightened person would encounter serenity. Buddha’s teachings had reflected in the teachings of Hinduism. Karma and rebirth were major aspects in Buddhism. Meditation was also apart of Buddhist culture. Different from Hinduism, Buddhism abandoned social classes and had cast off the religious authority of the Brahmins. Rituals and sacrifices were abandoned from Hindu traditions. Buddhism was not interested in the guesswork about the existence of a God or the creation of the world. People were more inclined to become Buddhist due to the fact that it challenged the inequalities of a Hindu-based caste system and had argued that gender nor caste position was a blockade to enlightenment.
     

     Hinduism

     Hinduism had begun during 800 to 400 BCE on the Indian sub-continent and had originated in the early Indus Valley Civilization. Hinduism believes in the idol worship of many gods and goddesses. Hindus also believe in reincarnation or the soul being reborn into a highe
     

     The Spread of Hinduism and Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia for AP World History

     The spread of Hinduism and Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia is an illustrative example in the Cultural Consequences of Connectivity topic of Unit 2 of AP World History. Read more about the spread of Hinduism and Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia below!

     The spread of Hinduism and Buddhism in Southeast Asia represents a profound chapter in the region’s history, shaping its cultural, religious, and artistic identity. Originating in the Indian subcontinent, these two religions found receptive soil in Southeast Asia, where they not only coexisted but also blended with indigenous beliefs. This passage explores the key periods and aspects of the spread of Hinduism and Buddhism in Southeast Asia, tracing the transformation of the region’s societies through the lens of spiritual and cultural influences.

     Early Maritime Trade

     The early spread of Hinduism and Buddhism in Southeast Asia was closely linked to maritime trade routes. Indian traders, sailors, and Brahmin priests established early contacts with coastal societies, introducing religious ideas, Sanskrit literature, and architectural