In academic terms, “Hindu” refers to a member of the religion known as Hinduism, which is one of the world’s oldest religious traditions, originating in the Indian subcontinent. The term can also encompass a variety of cultural, philosophical, and spiritual practices, beliefs, and texts associated with this religion.
Hinduism is characterized by a diversity of beliefs, including concepts such as dharma (duty/ethics), karma (action and its consequences), moksha (liberation), and a pantheon of deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi. The religious texts central to Hinduism include the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Academically, the study of Hinduism can include historical, sociological, anthropological, and theological perspectives, exploring how the religion has evolved, its practices, and its role in Indian and global contexts.