Hinduism is an ancient religious tradition that has evolved over thousands of years, making it difficult to determine its exact age using scientific methods. Hinduism does not have a specific founder or a single authoritative scripture, and its origins are deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of the Indian subcontinent.
Historically, the earliest known traces of what can be considered precursors to Hinduism date back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which thrived from approximately 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. Archaeological findings from this civilization, such as seals with symbolic motifs and artifacts depicting deities, suggest the presence of early religious practices that might have influenced the development of Hinduism.
However, it's important to note that Hinduism as a distinct religious tradition gradually evolved and absorbed various cultural, philosophical, and religious elements over time. It incorporated beliefs and practices from different periods and regions, making it challenging to pinpoint a specific starting point.
From a scientific perspective, dating the origin of a religious tradition like Hinduism involves a complex study of archaeological evidence, linguistic analysis, historical texts, and cultural developments. These methods provide insights into the evolution of religious ideas and practices but may not provide a definitive answer regarding the precise age of Hinduism.
Therefore, while Hinduism has ancient roots and is considered one of the oldest surviving religions, determining its exact age in scientific terms remains a subject of ongoing scholarly debate and interpretation.