QUESTION - Hinduism Wasn't a Religion Until The British?!

Today a close friend and very intelligent Religious scholar said the following through a text (and I quote him):

"Hinduism is a collection of 100's of religions, the word hinduism was created by the Brits. Never existed prior to British takeover of India. They created the word to pass National laws..."

Woh Woh Woh!  Is that True?  I never question him, but this is so shocking, I have to go read more about it!