Q 8. Hinduism has its root in Indus Valley civilization. Do you agree?

Answer 1

There is no consensus among scholars regarding the origin of Hinduism and its relationship to the Indus Valley civilization. Some scholars believe that there may be some connections between the two, while others argue that Hinduism emerged much later and has a different set of beliefs and practices.

 

One of the main challenges in establishing a direct link between the Indus Valley civilization and Hinduism is the lack of written records from the Harappan period. The Harappan script has not yet been deciphered, so we do not have any texts that can tell us about their religious beliefs and practices.

 

That being said, there are some indications that the Harappans may have had some religious beliefs and practices that are similar to those found in later Hinduism. For example, the discovery of figurines and seals depicting animals, such as bulls and elephants, suggests that the Harappans may have had some form of animal worship. Additionally, the presence of ritual baths and water tanks in the Harappan cities suggests that water may have been considered sacred, a belief that is still present in some Hindu traditions.

 

However, it is important to note that many of the specific beliefs and practices associated with Hinduism, such as the caste system, did not emerge until much later. It is also possible that the Harappans had a completely different religious system that has not yet been fully understood.

 

Overall, while there may be some connections between the Indus Valley civilization and later Hinduism, it is difficult to say for certain whether Hinduism has its roots in the Indus Valley civilization. Further research and evidence is needed to fully understand the relationship between the two.

Answer 2:

The origins of Hinduism are a matter of scholarly debate and there is no consensus on whether it has its roots in the Indus Valley civilization. While there is evidence of religious practices in the Indus Valley civilization, including figurines of deities and ritual baths, it is not clear whether these practices are directly related to Hinduism.

 

Hinduism is a complex and diverse religion that has evolved over thousands of years, drawing on various sources and influences. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Vedic period, which predates the Indus Valley civilization by several centuries.

 

The Vedic period saw the development of the Vedas, a collection of hymns and religious texts that are considered the foundational texts of Hinduism. These texts reflect a complex cosmology and a diverse pantheon of deities.

 

Over time, Hinduism evolved to incorporate a wide variety of philosophical, religious, and cultural traditions, including Buddhism and Jainism, as well as various folk and regional traditions.

 

While the Indus Valley civilization may have contributed to the development of religious ideas and practices in ancient India, it is not accurate to say that Hinduism has its roots in this civilization. Hinduism is a much broader and more complex religious tradition that has been shaped by a wide range of historical and cultural influences.