Brahmanism Term denoting an early phase of Hinduism. It was characterized by acceptance of the Vedas as divine revelation. The Brahmanas, the major text of Brahmanism, are the ritualistic books comprising the greater portion of Vedic literature. They were complemented by the Upanishads. In the course of time deities of post-Vedic origin began to be worshipped and the influence of Brahmanist priests declined. This led to a newer, popular form of Hinduism.

Brahmanism. Religion of early India which came to prominence in the Vedic period, and is effectively to be identified with Vedic religion and its continuity. It emphasized sacrifice and ritual under the control of the brahmans as those who have access to the rituals and control of them.

Brahmanism the complex sacrificial religion that emerged in post-Vedic India (c.900 bc) under the influence of the dominant priesthood (Brahmans), an early stage in the development of Hinduism. It was largely as a reaction to Brahman orthodoxy that religions such as Buddhism and Jainism were formed.