Originally posted by Merck
I was just wondering, who was it that came up with the idea of this chakra stuff? I see people mention it now and then but I have never heard anything about who made up the idea.
As Kim said it comes from ancient traditions of India. I believe at least the first textual reference to chakras is found in the Vedas (circa 1,500 - 600 BCE). It is largely believed that the Vedas were mostly written by the Aryans who invaded India around this time. And then from there were evolved by Yogis in the Upanishads and Yogi Suttas and became an important part of Yoga philosophy.

Edit: Here is an article that gives a more detailed account on the history of chakras if you are interested Merck.