Re: Sindh Through Centuries!
Indeed,there are only historical facts to claim my stand. ![]()
Origins of Hinduism The Indus Valley Civilization
[TABLE=“align: center”]
Hinduism, unlike most major religions, does not have a central figure upon whom it is founded. Rather, it is a complex faith with roots stemming back five thousand years to the people of the Indus Valley, now part of Pakistan. When the Aryan tribes of Persia invaded the Indus Valley around 1700 BCE, the groups’ beliefs merged and Hinduism began to form.
Most of what we know of the Indus people (also called Dravidians) comes from archaeological findings. Artifacts and relics dating back as early as 2000 BCE tell the story of a civilization flourishing with craftsmanship, agriculture, and religious life. As we will see, many of these early practices and beliefs still shape Hinduism.
For example, the Indus put great importance on cleanliness or ritual bathing. MohenjoDaro, one of the major Indus cities, contained a huge water tank for public bathing. Today, many Hindu temples feature such tanks.
**Another lasting legacy of Hinduism is found in the abundance of terra-cotta figurines unearthed in the Indus Valley. Popular among these small ceramic statuettes were depictions of pregnant women, "mother goddesses." The fertility and strength of the goddess and the rebirth and continuity she provides remain central to the Hindu faith.
**
**Ceramic seals also provide insight into the Indus' religious beliefs. Among the most common design was that of the bull. It represented virility, or sexual force, which is still considered sacred to the Hindus. Shiva, among the most revered Hindu gods, is associated with the bull.**
The Indus were an agricultural people, growing crops and raising animals. Living on the banks of the Indus River, dependent on its nourishment and renewal, there was deep reverence for water. Water still remains sacred to Hindus.