The question of which religion came to India first is a complex one, as India has a long and varied history of religious and spiritual practices. Hinduism is the oldest of the major religions to have arrived in India, with its roots stretching back to the arrival of the Aryans around 1500 BC. The Aryans were Central Asian nomads who brought with them a pantheon of gods, a caste system, and the sacred Vedas – oral hymns, worship manuals and philosophies – which have all had a profound influence on modern Hinduism.

The Vedas are the oldest of the Hindu scriptures, and are believed to have been composed between 1500 and 1000 BC. They are composed of four books – the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda – and are the foundation of the Hindu faith. They contain hymns and prayers to various gods, as well as rituals and ceremonies for worshipping them. They also contain the teachings of the ancient sages, which form the basis of the Hindu philosophy.

The next major religion to arrive in India was Buddhism, which was founded by Siddhartha Gautama in the 6th century BC. Buddhism was based on the teachings of the Buddha, who taught a path of enlightenment through meditation and contemplation. Buddhism spread rapidly throughout India, and was embraced by many of the ruling classes. It had a profound influence on Indian culture, and many of its teachings and practices are still followed today.

The third major religion to arrive in India was Jainism, which was founded by Mahavira in the 5th century BC. Jainism is a religion of non-violence and compassion, and its teachings emphasize the importance of leading a moral and ethical life. Jainism also has a strong emphasis on meditation and contemplation, and its followers strive to achieve a state of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

The fourth major religion to arrive in India was Sikhism, which was founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion, and its teachings emphasize the importance of leading a life of service and devotion to God. It also emphasizes the need for social justice and equality, and its followers strive to create a society where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Finally, the fifth major religion to arrive in India was Islam, which was brought to the subcontinent by Arab traders in the 8th century. Islam is a monotheistic religion, and its teachings emphasize the importance of submission to the will of God. It also has a strong emphasis on social justice and equality, and its followers strive to create a society where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

In conclusion, it is clear that India has a long and varied history of religious and spiritual practices. Hinduism is the oldest of the major religions to have arrived in India, and its influence can still be seen in the culture and traditions of the country today. Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Islam all arrived in India at different times, and each of these religions has had a profound influence on Indian culture and society.