You will be surprised to know, what was the old name of India?

Yes, it’s quite fascinating! The old name of India wasn’t always India. Here are some of the most prominent ancient names and the history behind them:

1. Bharat (भारत)

• Origin: Derived from King Bharata, a legendary emperor mentioned in ancient Indian scriptures like the Mahabharata.

• Current Usage: “Bharat” is the official name of India in Hindi and is mentioned in the Indian Constitution:
  “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.”

• Meaning: “Bharat” signifies the land ruled by King Bharata, symbolizing cultural unity and civilization.

2. Hindustan

• Origin: From the Persian word Hindu, which was used to describe the people living east of the River Sindhu (Indus).

• Used By: Medieval Persian and Mughal rulers referred to northern India as Hindustan.

• Meaning: “Land of the Hindus” or “land beyond the Indus.”

3. Jambudvipa

• Origin: Mentioned in ancient Indian cosmology and Puranic texts.

• Meaning: Literally “Island of the Jambu Tree,” this term was used to describe a part of the Earth which included the Indian subcontinent.

• Scriptural Usage: Found in Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain texts.

4. Aryavarta

• Meaning: “The land of the Aryans”

• Region: Referred specifically to the northern part of India, especially the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

• Textual Reference: Found in Manusmriti and other Dharmaśāstra literature.

5. India

• Origin: Derived from the River Indus.
  The Greeks referred to the region beyond the Indus River as Indos, which later evolved into India.

• Colonial Influence: The term “India” became popular during the time of British colonization, but its roots are ancient.

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