Chapter: India, That Is Bharat (Detailed Notes)
Introduction
India is one of the world's oldest civilizations, with a history of more than 5,000 years. It has been a land of great kingdoms, rich culture, different religions, languages, art, science, and trade. Throughout history, people from many parts of the world visited India for trade, education, religion, and exploration. Because of this, India came to be known by different names.
Today, our Constitution recognises two official names for our country:
"India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States."
(Article 1 of the Constitution of India)
This means that India and Bharat are both official names of our country.
What Does the Word "Bharat" Mean?
The name Bharat has been used by Indians since ancient times.
There are two main explanations for the origin of this name.
1. King Bharata
According to ancient Indian tradition, the country was named after King Bharata, a brave and wise ruler. Stories about him are found in the Mahabharata, the Puranas, and other ancient texts. He was known for his justice, courage, and good administration. It is believed that the land ruled by him became known as Bharat.
2. The Bharata Tribe
Some historians believe that the name comes from the Bharata tribe, one of the important tribes mentioned in the Rigveda, the oldest Vedic text. This tribe played an important role in early Indian history.
Meaning of Bharat
Many scholars explain the word Bharat as:
- Bha = Light, knowledge, wisdom
- Rata = Engaged in or devoted to
Therefore,
Bharat means "The land devoted to knowledge and wisdom."
Although this meaning is popular, historians consider it a traditional interpretation rather than the historical origin.
Bharatavarsha
Ancient Indian texts often use the name Bharatavarsha.
- Bharata = King Bharata or the Bharata people
- Varsha = Land, region, or country
Thus,
Bharatavarsha means "The Land of Bharata."
This name referred to the entire Indian subcontinent.
The Importance of the Sindhu River
The Sindhu River (Indus River) is one of the longest rivers in Asia.
It begins near Lake Manasarovar in Tibet, flows through Ladakh, enters present-day Pakistan, and finally empties into the Arabian Sea.
The river was very important because:
- The Indus Valley Civilization developed along its banks.
- Early trade routes passed through this region.
- Foreign travellers first entered India through this area.
- Many foreign names for India came from the word Sindhu.
How Foreigners Named India
People from different countries pronounced the word Sindhu differently according to their own languages.
1. Hindu – The Persian Name
Around the 6th century BCE, the Persians came into contact with north-western India.
The Persian language did not pronounce the Sanskrit letter 'S' in the same way.
Therefore,
Sindhu → Hindu
The Persians called the people living beyond the Sindhu River Hindus.
2. Hindustan
The Persians later used the word:
- Hindu = People beyond the Sindhu River
- Stan = Land
Therefore,
Hindustan = Land of the Hindus
This name became popular during the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire.
3. Indos and Indoi – The Greek Names
The Greeks came to India after the campaigns of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE.
The Greeks pronounced:
Sindhu → Indos
They called the people living there:
Indoi = People of the Indus River
The English word India later developed from this Greek name.
4. India – The English Name
The Romans and later the Europeans adopted the Greek name.
Thus,
Indoi → India
Today, India is the internationally recognised English name of our country.
5. Tianzhu – The Ancient Chinese Name
Chinese Buddhist monks such as Faxian (Fa-Hien) and Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) travelled to India to study Buddhism.
They called India:
Tianzhu
This name appeared in many ancient Chinese books.
6. Yindu
Later, Chinese pronunciation changed.
The modern Chinese name became:
Yindu
Even today, China refers to India as Yindu.
7. Shendu
Another ancient Chinese name was:
Shendu
It was also derived from the word Sindhu.
How the Name "India" Developed
Sindhu (Sanskrit) ↓ Hindu (Persian) ↓ Indos / Indoi (Greek) ↓ India (English)
Why Does India Have So Many Names?
India became known by many names because:
- It was one of the oldest civilizations.
- It had flourishing trade with many countries.
- It was famous for spices, cotton, silk, and precious stones.
- It was the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
- Scholars from many countries visited Indian universities such as Nalanda and Takshashila.
- Travellers pronounced India's name according to their own languages.
Importance of India in Ancient Times
India was famous for:
Agriculture
Farmers grew wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, and spices.
Trade
Indian merchants traded with Persia, Rome, China, and Southeast Asia.
Education
Great centres of learning included:
- Nalanda
- Takshashila
- Vikramashila
Religion
India is the birthplace of:
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Jainism
- Sikhism
Science and Mathematics
Indian scholars made important discoveries, including:
- The concept of zero
- The decimal number system
- Advances in astronomy and medicine
Important Terms
Term
Meaning
Bharat
Ancient Indian name of the country
Bharatavarsha
Land of Bharata
Sindhu
Indus River
Hindu
Persian form of Sindhu
Hindustan
Land of the Hindus
Indoi
Greek name meaning "People of the Indus"
India
English name derived from the Greek name
Tianzhu
Ancient Chinese name for India
Yindu
Modern Chinese name for India
Shendu
Ancient Chinese name derived from Sindhu
Timeline
- Rigvedic Period – Bharata tribe mentioned.
- Ancient Indian Texts – Bharat and Bharatavarsha used.
- 6th Century BCE – Persians used "Hindu".
- 4th Century BCE – Greeks used "Indoi".
- Ancient China – Tianzhu and Shendu used.
- Modern Times – Yindu used in Chinese; India used internationally.
Key Points to Remember
- India and Bharat are the official names of our country.
- Bharat is the oldest Indian name.
- Bharatavarsha means "The Land of Bharata."
- The Sindhu River inspired many foreign names for India.
- Persians called it Hindu and Hindustan.
- Greeks called it Indoi, leading to the English name India.
- Chinese travellers used Tianzhu, Shendu, and later Yindu.
- India's long history, culture, trade, and learning made it famous around the world.
Exam Tip (Class VI)
Remember this sequence:
Bharat → Bharatavarsha → Sindhu → Hindu → Hindustan → Indoi → India → Tianzhu → Shendu → Yindu
This order is commonly asked in school examinations, along with the origin and meaning of each name.