Hinduism is comprised of many different belief systems spanning a large and diverse geographical region. Early Hinduism grew out of the animistic practices of specific clan-groups. Later, as feudalism and monarchy rose to replace the tight-knit clan based system, animistic views and practices were absorbed into a system of henotheism.
Henotheism is the worship, elevation, and reverence of one god as supreme among many. Henotheism is a distinct form of worship in which many gods are perceived to be real, but only one god is recognized as supreme. Vedic Hinduism elevated the god Indra as supreme among all other gods. In the Vedas, other gods (in particular: Vac, good of speech and Varuna, god of heavenly waters) were considered to be lesser gods under the authority and influence of Indra's powers.
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