Brahmanism

or Brah·min·ism

[ brah-muh-niz-uhm ]

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.

Brahmanism

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈBrahmanist, noun

Other Words From

• Brahman·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Brahmanism¹

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

Example Sentences

Buddhism is a wide departure in doctrine and practice from Brahmanism, and hence after a swift unfolding and quick spread it was driven out of India and had to find a home in other lands.

From Project Gutenberg

This may be accounted the keystone of the fabric of Brahmanism, which accepts and even encourages the rudest forms of idolatry, explaining everything by giving it a higher meaning.

From Project Gutenberg

To return to India, the hospitals of Asoka were swept away by a revival of Brahmanism, and a practical hiatus exists between the hospitals he introduced and those that were refounded by the British ascendancy.

From Project Gutenberg

Hindu, Hindoo, hin′dōō, n. a native of Hindustan: now more properly applied to native Indian believers in Brahmanism, as opposed to Mohammedans, &c.—ns.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the most important events in the history of the Javanese was their conversion to Brahmanism, and still 194later to Mahometanism.

From Project Gutenberg