0_Apprentice
I have been interested in the hindu religion but dont know much about it.
1_Wizard
Well the term Hinduism, has historically been used simply to designate people indigenous to South Asia.
0_Apprentice
Are there a lot of Hindus?
1_Wizard
Well it is tought to specify just how many people would consider themselves Hindu.  Hindu can mean several things, such as just affiliating themselves culturally, ethnically, or lastly religiously.
0_Apprentice
Oh I did not know that. Anything else you can educate me on about Hinduism?
1_Wizard
Well in keeping with our theme, Hinduism contains a broad range of philosophies.  There are many concepts, rituals and pilgramages that are shared amongst different thought processes.
0_Apprentice
How long has Hinduism been practiced for?
1_Wizard
Well the term Hindy initally just described the people living in the Indian subontinent around the Sindhu river.  It wasn't until the 16th century though that the term began to refer to people who weren't Turkic or Muslims.