Crypto-hinduism is a term used to describe the practice of hiding one's true religious beliefs in order to avoid discrimination, persecution, or other negative consequences. It is called "crypto" because the beliefs are hidden, and "Hinduism" because it is most commonly associated with followers of the Hindu faith.
For example, if someone lives in a country where the dominant religion is different from their own, they might choose to keep their religion a secret to avoid being judged or even punished. In extreme cases, it could even mean pretending to follow a different religion altogether.
This practice can be traced back to ancient times, when different religious groups were often at odds with each other. In some cases, people would pretend to follow the religion of their conquerors in order to avoid being persecuted or killed.
Today, crypto-hinduism is still practiced by some individuals, particularly those who live in regions where there is religious tension or conflict. However, some argue that hiding one's true religious beliefs is not a true expression of faith and that it can lead to feelings of shame or guilt.