1. The religious and social system of orthodox Hinduism; Also called: Brahminism.
2. The religious beliefs of ancient India as prescribed in the sacred Vedas and Brahmanas and Upanishads; Also called: Brahminism.
Earliest stage in the development of Hinduism.
Its sacred scriptures are the Vedas, with their accompanying literature of comment and explanation known as Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads.