Question

What contributed to the growth of Hinduism select all that apply

Answer 1

- The development of the Vedas, an ancient collection of texts considered to be the religious foundation of Hinduism.
- The rise of the Upanishads, philosophical texts that offered spiritual interpretations of the Vedas and contributed to the development of Hindu philosophy.
- The adoption of more accessible practices, such as devotion to deities through rituals and worship, which appealed to a broader population.
- The assimilation of various regional and tribal religious traditions into Hinduism, allowing for a more inclusive belief system.
- The influence of powerful empires, such as the Maurya and Gupta Empires, which promoted Hinduism as the state religion and supported its growth.
- The work of influential religious leaders, such as Shankara, Ramanuja, and Madhva, who contributed to the intellectual development and popularization of different Hindu philosophies.
- The spread of Hinduism through trade and cultural interactions, particularly in Southeast Asia.
- The development of bhakti (devotional) movements, such as Vaishnavism and Shaivism, which emphasized personal devotion to specific deities.
- The codification and systematization of Hindu beliefs and practices through the creation of texts such as the Puranas and Dharmashastras.