HinduismHinduism is the third most widespread religion in the world and originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is rare for a major religion like Hinduism to not have a single founder, a religious organization, a specific theological system, or even a moral system, but it is a religion that has evolved over thousands of years. Hinduism has a diverse body of cultural and philosophical practices. Hinduism is made up of belief and tradition. The most recognized beliefs and traditions of Hinduism are Karma, Dharma, Samsara and Moshka. Hindus do not believe in violence, but believe in prayers, honesty, truth, austerity, celibacy and penance. Hindu scriptures are collectively called Shashtras. Hindu scriptures were initially passed down orally from generation to generation until finally ancient scholars wrote them down; mainly in the Sanskrit language which was the prevailing language of the time. Some of the Hindu scriptures are the Shruti and the Smritis. The Shrutis mainly refer to the Vedas which represent the eternal truths revealed to the ancient sages, but some other Hindu individuals associated the Vedas with a God or a powerful person. Smritis are all other texts other than Shrutis. The best known Smritis are the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. Although Hindus worship a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses, they believe in the one supreme power that manifests itself in various forms. There are many cultural and social influences that have made Hinduism vital to the region in which it originated. Hinduism can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization which took place between 4000 BC and 2200 BC India was a land of diverse cultures, religions, races and ethnicities. Hinduism was the unifying umbrella that brought peace to the country. Belief in Ahimsa or non-violence reduced warfare. In ancient India, the caste system determined the social order, but later this system decayed and gave rise to social evils. Many other cultures and invaders in the region have influenced the development of Hinduism over the centuries. When the Indo-Europeans invaded India between 1500 and 500 BC, their religion of the Vedas also greatly influenced the indigenous beliefs of Hinduism. Over 80% of Indians still practice Hinduism in modern India. Hindus raised in Hindu families are so immersed in various Hindu traditions from childhood that they are totally absorbed in the Hindu religious system. Sages and seers over the centuries have figured prominently in the religious beliefs of the region and their teachings of non-violence, unity, prayers and a life of righteousness have greatly influenced Hinduism..