Hinduism is the dominant religion, or way of life, of South Asia, and consists of many diverse traditions. It includes Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shaktism among numerous other traditions, and a wide spectrum of laws and prescriptions of "daily morality" based on karma, dharma, and societal norms. Hinduism is a categorisation of distinct intellectual or philosophical points of view, rather than a rigid, common set of beliefs. Hinduism has been called the "oldest religion" in the world, and some practitioners refer to it as , "the eternal law" or the "eternal way" beyond human origins. It prescribes the "eternal" duties, such as honesty, mercy, purity, self-restraint, among others. Western scholars regard Hinduism as a fusion or synthesis of various Indian cultures and traditions, with diverse roots and no single founder. Hindu practices include daily rituals such as puja (worship) and recitations, annual festivals, and occasional pilgrimages. Select group of ascetics leave the common world and engage in lifelong ascetic practices to achieve moksha. Hindu texts are classified into Śruti ("heard") and Smriti ("remembered"). These texts discuss theology, philosophy, mythology, Vedic yajna and agamic rituals and temple building, among other topics. Major scriptures include the Vedas, Upanishads (both Śruti), Mahabharata, Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, Puranas, Brahma Sutras, Yoga Vasistha, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Manusmṛti, and Agamas (all smriti). Drawing on various traditions, the so-called "Hindu synthesis" or "Brahmanic synthesis" emerged around the beginning of the Common Era, incorporating various traditions into the "Brahmanical fold." The resulting "Puranic Hinduism" co-existed for several centuries with Buddhism, having a broad appeal in contrast to the more elitist Buddhist tradition, and finally gained the sole support also from most royal circles during the 8th century CE. From northern India the Vedic-Brahmanical culture, and its societal divisions, spread to southern India and large parts of Southeast Asia. With the onset of Muslim-rule, a growing sense of unity was asserted, to distinguish the Indian traditions from foreign influences and traditions. This sense of unity has been strengthtened since the 19th century, in response to the dominance of western colonialism and Indology, when the term "Hinduism" came into broad use, and Hinduism was recognized as a coherent and independent tradition. The popular understanding of Hinduism has been dominated by "Hindu modernism", in which mysticism and the unity of Hinduism have been emphasised. During 20th century, Hindutva ideology, a part of the Hindu politics emerged as a political force and a source for national identity in India. Hinduism, with about one billion followers is the world's third largest religion, after Christianity and Islam.
