Brahmanism

Brahmanism is a term used by scholars to describe the priestly, ritual-centered strand of ancient Indian religion that developed among the Brahmins during the later Vedic period. It emphasizes belief in Brahman, the ultimate reality, and the authority of the Vedas. Central practices include yajna (sacrificial rites), the construction and maintenance of sacrificial altars, and the performance of rituals by trained priests.

Historically, Brahmanism grew out of the early Vedic religion and is associated with the Brahmana literature and related ritual manuals. The social order known as varna, and in later periods the caste system, positioned Brahmins as custodians of ritual knowledge and ritual authority. The tradition stressed the correct performance of rites and the maintenance of cosmic order (often linked to concepts of ritual efficacy andrita).

Over time, the philosophical turn of the Upanishads and the development of Vedanta and other schools introduced inward inquiry about Brahman and Atman, reshaping authority beyond ritual specialists. This philosophical and devotional evolution contributed to what many scholars call Hinduism, while Brahmanism remained a historical precursor focused on ritual and priestly function, even as practices diversified.

In modern scholarship, the term Brahmanism is contested. It highlights a specific ritual-elite strand, but can imply a monolithic or colonial construct. Some scholars prefer terms such as Vedic religion or Brahminical tradition to describe this lineage, while acknowledging its influence on the broader development of Hindu thought, practice, and social organization.