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:So What is the Fight For!!!
by r patil on Dec 09, 2007 10:52 AM Permalink
Arabistan(Aravsthan) is a sanskrit word meaning place of horses given by hindus.When their were no religion on the horizon their was no need for the religion.But once buddhism popt out ,this age old religion was called sanatan dharma(eternal truth).Afterall what there in the name.
RE:So What is the Fight For!!!
by shahid khan on Dec 09, 2007 11:40 AM Permalink
Dear Contractor, The theory which you described here definitely is based on some facts, but as per Persian language Hindu means black man, so the people coming from central Asia were calling these people Hindus. Infect Indian, pakis and bangaladeshis irrespective of their faith are basically Hindus. So, basically Hindu is not a follower of Hinduism and Hinduism is not a religion, all the gods and goddess described as per Indian history never described that we are blessing you a religion called Hinduism and you follow it neither they said being a hindu you have to do so so, as i understand Hindu word never mentioned in any religious books . The philosophy of Hinduism changes place to place and person to person and can be mould as suitable to a person society etc
