India, That Is Bharat explains how India has been known by different names throughout history and how these names reflect the country's geography, culture, and heritage. Ancient Indian texts such as the Ṛig Veda, Mahābhārata, and Viṣhṇu Purāṇa describe India using names like Sapta Sindhava, Bhāratavarṣha, and Jambudvīpa. These names highlight the unity of the Indian Subcontinent despite its great diversity.
The chapter also describes how foreign travellers and civilizations referred to India. The Persians called it Hind or Hindu, the Greeks called it Indoi, and these names gradually evolved into India. The chapter concludes by explaining why both India and Bharat are officially recognised today, as stated in the Constitution of India: "India, that is Bharat."
Key Points
• Indian Subcontinent – India is part of a large geographical region called the Indian Subcontinent.
• Natural Boundaries – The Himalayas lie in the north, while the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal surround the south.
• Many Ancient Names – India has been known by different names throughout history.
• Sapta Sindhava – The Ṛig Veda refers to the northwestern region as the "Land of Seven Rivers."
• Sindhu River – The word Sindhu originally referred to the Indus River.
• Bhāratavarṣha – The Mahābhārata uses this name for the entire Indian Subcontinent.
• Meaning of Bhāratavarṣha – It means "The Country of the Bharatas."
• Jambudvīpa – An ancient name meaning "Island of the Jamun Tree."
• Emperor Aśhoka – Around 250 BCE, Aśhoka used the name Jambudvīpa in his inscriptions.
• Viṣhṇu Purāṇa – Describes Bhārata as the land lying between the Himalayas and the ocean.
• Bharat Today – Bharat continues to be one of India's official names.
• India in the Constitution – Article 1 begins with the words: "India, that is Bharat."
• Persian Name – Ancient Persians called the land Hind or Hindu.
• Greek Name – Greeks called it Indoi or Indike.
• Chinese Names – Ancient Chinese referred to India as Yindu and Tianzhu.
• Hindustān – A later Persian name widely used for the Indian Subcontinent.
• Xuanzang – The famous Chinese traveller visited India in the 7th century CE to study Buddhism.
• Unity in Diversity – Despite many languages, regions, and cultures, India has always been seen as one civilization.