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| Home > History of religion
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| | History of Indian Religion
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From the earliest known evidence of human religion by Homo Sapiens around 100,000 years ago to the present day, religion continues to be a very influential aspect of human lives.
Indian Religions can only be understood after an understanding of its religious beliefs  and practices which have a large impact on the personal lives of most Indians and influence public life on a daily basis. Indian religions have deep historical roots that are recollected by contemporary Indians. The religious culture going back atleast 4500 years, has come down only in the form of religious texts.
Contacts between India and other cultures have led to the spread of Indian religions throughout the world, resulting in the extensive influence of Indian thought and practices. A number of world religion originated in India and others that started elsewhere found fertile ground for growth here.
Devotees of Hinduism constitute the largest part of the population of India. Buddhism and Jainism , ancient monastic traditions, have had a major influence on Indian art, philosophy and society. They are the important minority religions of India. Buddhism began in India as a reaction to the vedic sacrificial system and the Brahmin`s control on religions.
Islam spread in the early eighth century to become the largest minority religion in India. Sikhism started in the 16th century in Punjab. By the middle of 19th century it had spread all over India and the World. The founder of this religion was Guru Nanak. This religion blends together the teachings of Hinduism and Islam. The Sikhs are known for their bravery.
Christianity traces its history in India to the time of the apostles and has many followers in India. Zoroastrianism originally arrived with the traders and represented by small population and mostly settled down in and around the Indian West Coast.
Today, there are numerous challenges and problems faced by humans from every possible background, location and social class. Every day people face issues of health, safety and mortality. It is because of these daily challenges that religion continues to exist. Religion is the universal tool for explaining things which we do not understand through the known physical world.
Religion helps us to transmit our values from one generation to another, and influences the way we interact with the natural environment. It teaches us how to see ourselves in light of the universe and gives purpose and meaning to life.
With our global society, it is likely that in your lifetime you will meet people from every corner of the planet. Understanding the religious beliefs of these people is one of the many steps which mankind must take in order to prosper together in peace.
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