The term "Hindu period" isn't a specific historical period used by scholars of Hinduism. Hinduism is a complex religion with a long history, and there isn't a single point where it began or ended. However, some of the major periods in Hinduism include:
- The Vedic period (1500–500 BCE): This is the earliest period of Hinduism, and it is named after the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. The Vedas are a collection of hymns, poems, and rituals that were composed by Indo-Aryan priests.
- The Classical period (500–1100 CE): This period is sometimes called the "Golden Age" of Hinduism. It saw the development of the six darshanas, or schools of Hindu philosophy, as well as the rise of temple building and pilgrimage.
- The Medieval period (1100–1800 CE): This period saw the rise of bhakti, or devotional Hinduism, as well as the development of social reform movements.
- The Modern period (1800–present): This period has seen Hinduism confront the challenges of colonialism, modernity, and globalization.