Criticism of Hinduism

Criticism of Hinduism refers to aspects of Hinduism which have been criticised. For prejudice against Hindus, see Anti-Hindu sentiment.
Historical background.
Early opposition.
Some of the earliest criticism of Brahminical texts, including the Vedas and especially the Dharmashastras, comes from the Sramana (or renunciate) traditions, including Buddhism and Jainism. Sramana scholars viewed Brahminical philosophy as "heretical." In particular Sramanas denied the "sruti" (divine) nature of the Vedas and opposed sacrificial rituals which were at the heart of Brahminical philosophy at the time.
Caste system.
The "discriminatory and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment" of over 165 million people in India justified on the basis of caste, "a defining feature of Hinduism," has repeatedly been noticed and described by Human Rights Watch and the United Nations, along with criticism of other caste systems worldwide.