Hinduism originated in the Indus River Valley, which spans northwest India and parts of present-day Pakistan. This region was home to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization (also known as the Harappan civilization), which flourished around 4500 to 2000 BCE and is considered the birthplace of Hinduism
. The religion evolved over time through a synthesis of various cultural and religious traditions, including the ancient Vedic religion brought by the Indo-Aryans around 1500 BCE, indigenous practices of the Indus Valley, and later influences from Śramaṇa traditions like Buddhism and Jainism. This blending, often called the "Hindu synthesis," developed between 500 BCE and 300 CE, shaping what is now recognized as classical Hinduism
. In summary, Hinduism's origins lie in the ancient Indus Valley civilization of the Indian subcontinent, with significant development through the integration of Vedic and local traditions over many centuries
