The word Hindu is not a religious word. It is secular in origin. It is derived from the word Sindhu, which is the name of a major river that flows in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. The ancient Greeks and Armenians used to refer the people living beyond the river Sindhu as Hindus and gradually the name struck. When the Muslims came to the sub continent they called the people living in the region as Hindustanis to distinguish them from the foreign Muslims. Subsequently when the British established their rule, they started calling the local religions collectively under the name of Hinduism.
It is interesting to note that the word is neither Sanskrit nor Dravidian and did not originate in India. It was not used by Indians in their descriptions or writings till the 17th century. If we go by the original definition of the word Hindu, any one who lives in the subcontinent is a Hindu and whatever religion he or she practices is Hinduism. The word Hindu is a secular word and literally translated it means Indian and the word Hinduism denotes any religion or religions that are practiced by the multitude of people living in the land beyond the river Indus.
RE:What Are We Fighting For??
by super success on Dec 23, 2007 06:26 PM Permalink
muslim want to prove islam is greatest christian wants to prove there religion is greatest hindus want to prove there religion is greatest but everybody forgot all relgion teach one thing not to hurt anybody feelings and sentiments and love all
RE:What Are We Fighting For??
by harish dewangan on Dec 23, 2007 06:28 PM Permalink
Guys, Hinduism is a phenomenon which is appreciated by everybody in this world. We are contemporary, we hve no bindings abt any particular form of worhsip or going to the temple..Everyone is free ..
All of us should forget abt religion and work for development of the country. As minorities Christians and muslims have always been accepted by hindus in this nation.
Let's live together in peace and elect good leaders who can work for the nation honestly..
