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An Introduction to Hinduism for AP World History

Sep 27, 2023

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Religion shapes the daily lives of individuals, but it also shapes the events of history. If you are going to understand the events of world history, then you need to know about the world religions. This page will teach you the basics of Hinduism for AP World History. Click through the slides to read about Hinduism. At the end, there is a short video to watch too!





Brahma the Creator

Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world. It is over 4,000 years old. Because it is so old, we don’t know who started the religion.


Hindus believe in one supreme force called Brahma the creator. All of the Hindu gods are manifestations of Brahma. For example, Vishnu is the preserver, and Shiva is the destroyer. They also believe the caste system came from Brahma, with different castes originating from various parts of his body. People couldn’t change their castes during their lifetimes, but your choices and behavior in this life determined the caste of your next life.


Beliefs of Hinduism

  1. if you behave well and follow the dharma (rules and obligations) of your caste, you will keep moving toward unification with Brahma

  2. if you do not behave well and follow the dharma of your caste, you will move down in the caste system

  3. cycle of rebirth continues until you achieve moksha, the highest state of being

  4. the Vedas and the Upanishads are the holy books in Hinduism

Big Ideas About Hinduism

  1. it is both a religion and a social system (caste system)

  2. did not spread outside of India because it combines religious and social structures

  3. Hinduism is still influential in India

  4. some Hindus have started rebelling against the caste system

  5. Buddhism came out of Hinduism.


World Religions

Want more information about the world religions you need to know about for the AP World History exam? Check out the links below!

Buddhism

Christianity

Confucianism

Hinduism

Islam

Judaism


Unit 1:The Global Tapestry


AP World History



Hinduism for AP World History

#APWorldHistory #Hinduism #WorldReligions

Sep 27, 2023

2 min read

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