Hinduism can be described as an evolution of the Vedic religions because it had roots in Buddhism ...

Hinduism can be described as an evolution of the Vedic religions because it had roots in Buddhism and south Indian religious practices, and:
 
  a. it adapted its notions of eternal time to be closer to those of Buddhism and therefore attract more followers.
  b. it focused on fewer gods and became a more organized religion.
  c. it was based on the Vedas, but these were finally written down in an orthodox form with prescribed formats.
  d. it combined Aryan and Dravidian elements.
  e. unlike Buddhism, Hinduism argues that the atman evolves into an enlightened spirit that retains the self.