Hinduism, also known by the name Sanatana-Dharma, is one of the dominant religions of the Indian subcontinent, and consists of many diverse traditions. It includes Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shaktism among numerous other traditions, and a wide spectrum of laws and prescriptions of “daily morality” based on karma, dharma, and societal norms. Hinduism is a categorisation of distinct intellectual or philosophical points of view, rather than a rigid, common set of beliefs.
Basics
Hinduism is not a single religion so much as a blanket term for the successor faiths of ancient Indian polytheism as recorded in the Vedas. The existence of many different sects within Hinduism – as well as millennia of relatively peaceful co-existence with Jainism and Buddhism – has made the Hindu faith remarkably tolerant and pluralistic toward all Indian religions. Still, it is the most warlike of the three. Defining features in-game:
Holy sites – Dwarakadheesh, Mahakaleshwar, Krishnajanmabhoomi, Ram Janmabhoomi, Varanasi
- There is no religious head.
- Caste traits matter greatly.
- Can declare Subjugation Wars against all Indian religions.
- Can raid neighbouring counties of other faiths.
- Can declare regular Holy Wars against non-Indian religions.
- Hard to convert Jain and Buddhist counties.
Unique Mechanics
Indian Conversion – As a Hindu you can convert to either Buddhism or Jainism once during your life time once you have 500 prestige, you are not Zealous, and one of your realm provinces has that religion.
Religious Branches – Hinduism has several branches, each of which grants different bonuses to those of that branch. A Hindu ruler can switch branch once in their lifetime.