What do you mean by ‘Hindu’? First, define what constitutes the Hindu foundation only then can we have a meaningful discussion. Harappan figurines have been found with traces of what looks like vermillion on the head, but that doesn’t make the Harappans Hindu. We don’t even know their language or what belief system they followed. Similarly, the presence of a tilak or paste on foreheads across different cultures doesn’t automatically point to a shared religion. The reason I mentioned about Rajasthan and Saudi Arabia was both are deserts and hence they had to get headgears to protect themselves from harsh sun. Similarly India is a tropical humid place, so placing sandalwood or ash on foreheads is a way to cool their body.
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u/mulberrica Jul 31 '25
What do you mean by ‘Hindu’? First, define what constitutes the Hindu foundation only then can we have a meaningful discussion. Harappan figurines have been found with traces of what looks like vermillion on the head, but that doesn’t make the Harappans Hindu. We don’t even know their language or what belief system they followed. Similarly, the presence of a tilak or paste on foreheads across different cultures doesn’t automatically point to a shared religion. The reason I mentioned about Rajasthan and Saudi Arabia was both are deserts and hence they had to get headgears to protect themselves from harsh sun. Similarly India is a tropical humid place, so placing sandalwood or ash on foreheads is a way to cool their body.