The Historical Development of Advaita Vedānta Philosophy

Abstract
Advaita Vedānta is a big idea in Indian philosophy. It says that everything is one, and that one true thing is called Brahman. The world we see and experience every day is considered to be an illusion, or māyā. This present study looks at how this idea of Advaita Vedānta developed over time. It examines important ancient books like the Upanishads and the Brahma Sutras, and also the writings of important thinkers like Śaṅkara. By comparing Advaita Vedānta with other philosophies, the study shows how the school of thought was formed, how it branched out, and how it competed with other schools of thought.The roots of Advaita lie in the Upaniṣadic scriptures, with early Vedāntic synthesis by Bādarāyaṇa in the Brahma Sūtras. Śaṅkara (8th century CE) systematized Advaita through rigorous commentary, solidifying its metaphysical and epistemological foundations. Post-Śaṅkara developments led to two major interpretive schools: the Bhāmatī and Vivaraṇa traditions. Advaitins further refined logic and responded to critiques from dualist and theistic schools. In the 19th–20th centuries, Advaita Vedānta saw a revival, notably through figures like Swami Vivekananda, integrating modern scientific and nationalistic thought.
The enduring relevance of Advaita Vedānta lies in its philosophical depth and adaptability. From ancient metaphysical inquiry to modern spiritual discourse, Advaita continues to influence global religious and philosophical thought. This historical overview highlights its resilience and ongoing evolution in the face of intellectual and socio-political change.