Hindustan
2When The Discovery of India was published, these names, Hindustan, Bharat (also Bharata), India, coexisted in the subcontinent. Of constant usage also was Hind, as in ‘Jai Hind’ (Victory to Hind), the battle-cry that Nehru, like several other political leaders, liked to proclaim at the end of his speeches.
What is the Old Name of India?
India is a country with a rich history, dating back thousands of years. Throughout its long history, the region now known as India has been referred to by many names, each symbolizing a specific time, culture, and perspective. The old names of India are deeply tied to its ancient traditions, rulers, and the geography that shaped the civilization.
The Origins of ‘Bharata’
One of the oldest names of India is **Bharata**. This name comes from ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Vedas and the Mahabharata. According to these texts, Bharata was a legendary king, believed to be a descendant of the lunar dynasty. His kingdom was vast, and he ruled over much of what is now India. Due to his influence and the large area he governed, the region was named after him.
In the Mahabharata, the name “Bharata” is often used to describe the entire subcontinent, referring to it as **Bharata Varsha**. This term means the land of Bharata and signifies the geographical and cultural unity of the people of the subcontinent. Even today, “Bharata” is the official name of India in several Indian languages, including Hindi and Sanskrit.
Aryavarta and Jambudvipa
In ancient times, India was also known as **Aryavarta**, meaning “the land of the Aryans.” The term Aryavarta was used by the Vedic people who considered themselves Aryans, or noble people. It referred to the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, particularly the plains between the Himalayas and the Vindhya mountains. Aryavarta was seen as the cradle of the Vedic civilization, where the sacred texts, traditions, and rituals were developed.
Another ancient name for India was **Jambudvipa**, a term found in ancient Indian cosmology. In this context, Jambudvipa referred to the entire known world, and India was considered the heart of this region. According to mythology, Jambudvipa was a large island shaped like a lotus, surrounded by oceans, and was divided into many parts, one of which was India. This name is rarely used today but holds significance in religious and cultural traditions.
Hindustan: The Persian Influence
The name **Hindustan** is one of the most well-known historical names for India. It comes from the Persian language, with “Hindu” referring to the people living beyond the river Sindhu (Indus) and “stan” meaning land. The Persians used the term “Hindu” to describe the region and its people, which later became Hindustan.
Hindustan, however, was not used to describe the entire subcontinent. Initially, it referred only to the northern parts of India, especially the Indo-Gangetic plain. During the Mughal period, the name Hindustan gained popularity and became synonymous with the entire country. It was used in various historical documents and is still used informally in some contexts today.
India: The Western Perspective
The name **India** has its roots in the ancient Greek and Latin languages. When the Greeks and Romans first encountered the Indian subcontinent, they referred to the land beyond the river Indus as “India.” The river was called the **Sindhu** by the locals, but the Greeks mispronounced it as **Indos**, and from this, the name India was derived.
The name India was widely adopted by European countries during their exploration and colonization of the subcontinent. It became the official name of the country during the British colonial period, and it remains the official name in English today.
Bharat vs. India: The Modern Debate
In modern times, the names Bharat and India are used interchangeably. However, there is a debate among some scholars, politicians, and citizens about which name should be more prominent. Many people in India feel a stronger cultural and historical connection to the name Bharat, as it reflects the ancient roots and indigenous traditions of the country.
The name India, on the other hand, is associated with the colonial past and the Western influence that shaped modern India. While both names have their own significance, the Indian Constitution recognizes both names, with Article 1 stating, “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.”
Sindhu and the Origins of Hinduism
The name **Sindhu** is significant not only for its connection to India but also for its influence on the term **Hindu** and the religion of Hinduism. The Sindhu river (now known as the Indus) played a crucial role in the development of early Indian civilization, particularly the Indus Valley Civilization. The river was a lifeline for agriculture, trade, and communication, making it an important geographical feature in ancient India.
The Persians, when they invaded the region, referred to the people living near the Sindhu river as Hindus, which eventually gave rise to the religion we now call Hinduism. In this sense, the name of the river shaped not only the identity of the region but also one of the world’s major religions.
The Historical Significance of Bharatvarsha
The term **Bharatvarsha** goes beyond just a geographical name. It represents the unity of the Indian subcontinent, as it was envisioned in ancient Hindu texts. Bharatvarsha was seen as a divine land, a place where righteousness and dharma (moral law) flourished. The idea of Bharatvarsha is closely linked to the concept of **Dharma Yuddha**, or a righteous war, as depicted in the Mahabharata.
The unity of the region under the name Bharatvarsha was both spiritual and cultural. It emphasized the idea that the people of this land shared a common heritage, language, and religion, even if they were politically divided into smaller kingdoms. This unity was further strengthened by pilgrimage routes, sacred sites, and the spread of religious texts.
Other Regional Names of India
In addition to the names mentioned above, India was known by various regional names throughout its history. For example, in South India, the term **Dravida** was used to describe the region inhabited by the Dravidian people. The ancient Tamils referred to their land as **Tamilakam**. In the eastern parts of India, the region was sometimes called **Magadha**, after the powerful Magadha kingdom. These names highlight the diversity of India’s regions and the multiple cultural influences that shaped its history.
India’s old names reflect the rich and complex history of the subcontinent. From Bharata, Aryavarta, and Jambudvipa to Hindustan and India, each name represents a different era, culture, and perspective. While India has been known by many names, the essence of its civilization remains the same—a land of diversity, spirituality, and rich cultural heritage. As the country moves forward, these old names serve as a reminder of the deep historical roots that continue to shape its identity
FAQ
FAQ: India’s Old Name
1. What was the ancient name of India?
The most ancient name of India is **Bharata**, named after a legendary king mentioned in Hindu texts.
What does Aryavarta mean?
Aryavarta** means “the land of the Aryans” and refers to the northern region of the Indian subcontinent.
What is Jambudvipa?
Jambudvipa** is an ancient cosmological name for India, used in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
How did India get the name Hindustan?
The Persians called the land beyond the **Sindhu** (Indus) River **Hindustan**, meaning the “land of the Hindus.”
How did the name India originate?
The Greeks mispronounced **Sindhu** as **Indos**, leading to the name **India**.
What names does India use today?
India is officially called both **India** and **Bharat**, as recognized in its Constitution.
Disclaimer:
The content, including the images and text, provided in this article is intended for informational and educational purposes. The images are generated with creative interpretations of historical and cultural elements, and may not represent exact historical artifacts or accuracy. While efforts have been made to ensure the correctness of the information, this article is not a scholarly source. The names and symbols used are drawn from widely recognized sources, but historical interpretations may vary. For detailed academic research or legal use, please consult verified sources.