Brahmanism

American  

[brah-muh-niz-uhm] / ˈbrɑ məˌnɪz əm /

Or Brahminism

noun

1. the religious and social system of the Brahmans and orthodox Hindus, characterized by the caste system and diversified pantheism.

2. the Hinduism of the Vedas, Brahmanas, and Upanishads.

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Brahmanism British  

/ ˈbrɑːməˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the religious and social system of orthodox Hinduism, characterized by diversified pantheism, the caste system, and the sacrifices and family ceremonies of Hindu tradition

2. the form of Hinduism prescribed in the Vedas, Brahmanas, and Upanishads

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Other Word Forms

• Brahmanist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of Brahmanism

First recorded in 1810–20; Brahman ¹ + -ism

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Brahmanism

Following the development of Buddhism, how did changes in Brahmanism reduce the influence and prestige of the Brahman class as it evolved into Hinduism?

From Textbooks ● Apr. 19, 2023

A later series of treatises known as the Upanishads, written by a priestly class called Brahmans, developed new expressions of the Vedic religion, gradually transforming it into what many scholars refer to as Brahmanism.

From Textbooks ● Apr. 19, 2023

In this way, Brahmanism emerged as Hinduism, which retained the caste system and belief in the Vedas while also offering a prescription for common followers seeking to live a moral and fulfilling life.

From Textbooks ● Apr. 19, 2023

Likewise, Brahmanism was greatly influenced by Buddhism and its popularity with certain classes in India.

From Textbooks ● Apr. 19, 2023

Some centuries before the Christian era, immigrants from the east coast of India began to exert a powerful influence over Cambodia, into which they introduced Brahmanism and the Sanskrit language.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 1 "Calhoun" to "Camoens" by Various