Hinduism, the Medieval Period lasted from around 500 to 1500 AD, during which spiritual sentiments were recorded by poet-saints and also new texts emerged. India was invaded by Muslim Arabs in the 7th century. They destroyed Hindu temples and prevented them from worshipping their Gods.
The foundation of contemporary Hinduism was laid by many important developments from 500 CE onwards, especially related to devotional and theistic elements. Spiritual and spontaneous outpourings were recorded by poet-saints in Southern India. New theologies were developed by many key thinkers to consolidate the teachings and transmit them via a line of spiritual teachers.
Prominent seats of learning in Jainism and Buddhism were established around the turn of the millennium in India by Shankaracharya (79-812 CE). Not only did Shankaracharya propagate Advaita but established the Vedic canon also and laid firm foundations for Vedantic Sampradayas in future.
Madhava, Ramanuja, Abhinavangupta and many others followed, propounded new theologies and wrote their own scriptural commentaries and in the process established successions of their own. One important tradition during this period especially in Southern India was Shaivism.
Later the Muslims ruled India from 1200 to 1757 C.E, starting with the Turks, then the Moghuls (Akbar) who patronized Hindu artists and scholars. Aurangzeb the great grandson of Akbar, in comparison demolished many Hindu temples and put restrictions of practices of Hindus. The caste system became rigid, initiating the flourishing of Bhakti Saints who expressed their devotional sentiments through poetry, music, songs and set forth the spiritual egalitarianism theology.
The British during their rule (1757 to 1948) had lenient attitude towards the culture of India. Gradually attempts were made to Christianise and Westernise India. While some adopted Western practices and values, the rest defended their culture and religion. Post 1948, Hinduism was identified as one of the greatest religions in the world.
