Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Roots of Hinduism

For Students 9th - 10th
Hinduism is more than a religion. It is a culture, a way of life, and a code of behavior. This short article discusses the origins of Hinduism.
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Principal Deities of Hinduism

For Students 9th - 10th
There are many Hindu deities, some with great and others with limited powers. Most Hindus focus their devotion primarily on one of these, whom they regard as supreme. These deities are shown in a variety of art forms. This short article...
Handout
BBC

Bbc Religion and Ethics Homepage: Hinduism

For Students 9th - 10th
The British Broadcasting Corporation provides an incredibly detailed description and outline of Hinduism. Content includes a look at the religion's history, as well as its beliefs, customs, holy days, and forms of worship.
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Beliefs of Hinduism

For Students 9th - 10th
Read a quick description of the most common Hindu beliefs and view a picture of a sandstone statue of Harihara.
Website
Other

Understanding Hinduism: Hindu Scriptures

For Students 9th - 10th
A lengthy introduction to the scriptures of Hinduism. Details the history and importance of the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana. Also covers the Code of Manu.
Website
Other

Interfaith Dialog Center: Hinduism

For Students 9th - 10th
A good introduction to Hinduism, which provides a brief look at the religion's ancient beginnings, its sacred texts, beliefs and practices, sects, and holy days. Includes a simple explanation of how the monotheistic principle of Hinduism...
Graphic
British Library

British Library: Expressions of Faith: Hindu Manuscripts

For Students 9th - 10th
A collection of seven Hindu books from various time periods. There is a written commentary plus great illustrations. The author of the commentary is Ravi Shankar, the famous Sitar musician.
Handout
The History Cat

The History Cat: Hinduism

For Students 4th - 8th
Discusses what Hinduism is, the Hindu view of God, how Hindus worship, the belief in reincarnation, the concept of Karma, the caste system and Untouchables, the celebration of Diwali, and the practice of yoga.
Website
Friesian School

Friesian.com: Caste System Stages of Life in Hinduism

For Students 9th - 10th
This comprehensive article from friesian.com covers the Caste System and also discusses the stages of life in Hinduism. Includes a graphic organizer.
Unit Plan
PBS

Pbs: The Story of India: Sanskrit

For Students 9th - 10th
PBS explores one of the world's oldest religions, Hinduism, with an in-depth look into Sanskrit, the ancient Indo-European language. Identifies the origins of the language and how it spread throughout the area. Identifies two ancient...
Website
Other

Bhagavad Gita: Introduction

For Students 9th - 10th
A long essay on the Bhagavad Gita. Describes the History of the text and its major themes.
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Shiva as Lord of the Dance (Nataraja)

For Students 9th - 10th
The art of medieval India, like the art of medieval Europe, was primarily in the service of religion. The supple and expressive quality of the dancing Shiva is one of the touchstones of South Asian, and indeed, world sculpture. View...
Handout
Internet History Sourcebooks Project

Fordham University: Indian History Sourcebook: Indian History Sourcebook

For Students 9th - 10th
An online sourcebook of Indian history, this site from Fordham University offers links to websites & direct documents relating to specific periods of Indian history. Scroll through table of contents & choose area of interest!
Handout
World History Encyclopedia

World History Encyclopedia: Agni

For Students 9th - 10th
Encyclopedia entry with illustrations on the Hindi god of fire, Agni. Site provides a brief overview and definittion of Agni.
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Introduction to Buddhism

For Students 9th - 10th
Buddhism originated in what is today modern India, where it grew into an organized religion practiced by monks, nuns, and lay people. Read a brief history of this religion in this article.
Website
Exploring Ancient World Cultures

Exploring Ancient World Cultures: Ancient India

For Students 9th - 10th
This article explains what the Bhagavad Gita is and how this ancient Hindi book has inspired many within Indian culture and the world at large.
Website
Other

Hinduwebsite: The Upanishads

For Students 9th - 10th
A long essay about the Upanishads, a massive body of Hindu sacred writings. Traces the history of these writings and discusses their importance.
Website
Exploring Ancient World Cultures

Exploring Ancient World Cultures: The Historical Context of Bhagavad Gita

For Students 9th - 10th
An essay by Soumen De about why the Gita was written and its philosophies. He shows the Gita's relation to other Indian religious doctrines.
Handout
Stephen Byrne

History for Kids: Ancient Indian Religion

For Students 2nd - 7th
Reference article provides an overview of the ancient religions of India, including information on Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Study Guide
Oswego City School District

Regents Exam Prep Center: Gupta Empire

For Students 3rd - 8th
The Regents Exam Prep Center offers a review sheet prepared to help students on the NY State Regents exam in World History. Gives brief details about the Gupta Empire and reasons for its decline.
Website
University of California

Ucla: Manas: About India

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a robust site from UCLA with lots of information about Indian cultures, religions, social life and organization, history and politics. Don't expect a zillion pictures, but an in-depth look at the cultures and history.
Website
Other

Temple Net: Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneshwar

For Students 9th - 10th
This comprehensive article details the history and use of the Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneshwar. Contains an image of the temple as well.
Handout
Encyclopedia Mythica

Encyclopedia Mythica: Vedas

For Students 9th - 10th
This site describes the Vedas, the earliest texts that exist in Hinduism. The collection is made up of the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and the Atharva Veda.
Website
Other

Temple Net: Sun Temples in India

For Students 9th - 10th
Contains an overview of the Sun Temple at Konarak, Orissa, that includes a brief history and description of the structure. Contains an image. Also has short descriptions of other "Sun Temples" in India.