Bajpaj S.G. The History of Hindu India. From Ancient to Modern Times

A Textbook for All Ages. — Himalayan Academy, 2011. — 120 pp. — ISBN: 978-1-934145-38-8.The history of today’s Hindus, one-sixth of our human race, extends back beyond recorded history. In this book, we pick up the threads of Hindu practice evident in the Indus-Sarasvati civilization, which was the largest and in many ways the most advanced of the ancient civilizations. From there we trace the development of Hinduism through the early empires of India, a time of great advances in science, architecture, art and literature—during which Europe was experiencing the Middle Ages. Then came the years of trial by invasion, followed by colonization and finally, in the 20th century, independence from the British Crown. Throughout these periods of history, we highlight the people, philosophical ideas and religious practices that are key to the Hindu religion today. While the text is written for sixth grade social studies classes in US schools, it is also suitable for high school classes. It has even been used in college course work, due to its refreshingly accurate, terse but comprehensive presentation of the world’s most ancient faith.Hinduism from Ancient Times.
Origins of Hinduism.
Hindu Beliefs and Scriptures.
Hinduism in Practice.
Hindu India: 300 to 1100 CE.
Of Kings and Prosperity.
Society, Science and the Arts.
Learning a Sacred Life.
Hinduism Endures: 1100 to 1850.
The Invasion Centuries.
Surviving a Time of Trial.
Music, Art, Dance and Architecture.
India as Colony: 1850-1947.
British Rule’s Mixed Blessings.
The Challenge of Ideas.
Rites of Passage and Initiations.
21st Century India.
The World’s Largest Democracy Is Born.
Building a Unified Nation.
The Impact of Hindu Ideas Today.
Hindu Festivals.
Ganesha Chaturthi.
Navaratri.
Diwali.
Mahasivaratri.
Holi.