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History
Vedic Time
Max Müller put forward the theory that at the end of the Indus culture (approx. 2000 BC) Aryan tribes immigrated to northern India, which had a strong influence on the further course of culture. However, some Indian historians are also of the opinion that the Aryans, who were able to gain supremacy at that time, were an already resident tribe.
In addition to some astronomical texts, the Rigveda, the Samaveda, the Yajurveda and the Altharveda are among the oldest surviving writings, which can be distinguished as follows:
Rigveda: The oldest of all Vedas contains hymns to invoke and honor the gods. The content of the other three Vedas is based on the Rigveda.
Samaveda: The sacrifices in Hinduism are always accompanied by music. The Samaveda consists of these chants.
Yayurveda: During the sacrificial rites, prose verses contained in the Yajurveda are recited.
Altharveda: Included in the Altharveda are mantras (short formulaic phrases often repeated and used in prayer or meditation) and incantations against disease and enemies. Prayers for the forgiveness of sacrifices` mistakes can also be found in the Altharveda.
In the oldest Indian texts, a date cannot be determined with certainty. As can be read in the texts, early religious life was characterized by hymns to the gods, animal and plant sacrifices and ritual ablutions.
A vegetarian diet is increasingly being called for in Hindu scriptures, certainly also as a reaction to the increased importance of non-violence. The vegetarian way of life is considered to be ethically superior, but is a voluntary choice for the Hindus. However, Hindus usually reject the consumption of beef on principle, since the cow is considered a divine being.
Temples or idols were not known in early Vedic religion. The gods, who were worshiped through fire sacrifices, were offered e.g. milk, bread, the holy juice called Soma or Ghi (clarified butter) as a sacrifice. Meat was only sacrificed in some cases.
Hinduism combines ancient Indian religions and the religion of the Aryans, who are believed to have immigrated from the north. It is assumed that a large part of the indigenous population of India was pushed further and further south over time. However, their history is largely obscure. It is assumed that elements such as sacred animals, the cult of the Lingam or the worship of goddesses are elements from this culture. At about 1200 c. BC (date uncertain) goes back the Rigveda of the Aryans. The gods are described here in part as personified forces of nature. The texts focus on questions about the nature of the divine. They also tell of battles, gold and cattle. Quote from Rigveda 1,164,46: "To that which is One Truth the wise give many names, they call It Agni, Yama, Matarishvan".
