HINDUISM c. 1500 BC in India; no official beginning or leader

When the Aryans invaded India and conquered the Dravidians, they co-mingled both of their polytheistic, fertility religions that personified and worshipped nature. The Aryans wrote hymns, poetry, and mythical stories into their scriptures, the Vedas. Hinduism developed over 1000 years into a complex combination of socioeconomic religious caste structure (priest, warrior, merchant, slaves) and a spectrum of sometimes contradictory beliefs in India.

Divinity: Polytheism early (many gods, possibly 330 million); pantheism later (god is all things, Brahman—infinite, impersonal reality; Brahma, creator; Vishnu, preserver; Shiva, destroyer).

Salvation: People’s souls (atman) are separated from Brahman at birth. Through the Way of knowledge, devotion, and good works (dharma) people can be freed from the cycle of thousands/millions of reincarnations (samsara) based on karma (good or bad actions) until reabsorbed to Brahman in freedom from suffering (moksha).

Jesus: Avatar of Vishnu; all beliefs are valid as reality is an illusion.