Introduction :
India, a land of rich diversity and culture, is known by two names – “India” in English and “भारत” (Bharat) in Hindi. These names represent not only a linguistic difference but also a deeper cultural and historical significance. In this blog post, we will explore the dual identity of this incredible country and the stories behind its names.
Linguistic Significance :
- India is a country with a multitude of languages, and English is one of the official languages. “India” is the English name, while “भारत” is the Hindi name.
- The use of “भारत” (Bharat) in Hindi is deeply rooted in the country’s history, as it references an ancient kingdom mentioned in Indian scriptures like the Mahabharata.
Historical Significance :
- The name “भारत” (Bharat) has its origins in the legendary King Bharata, a figure from Indian mythology who was a symbol of knowledge and wisdom.
- King Bharata’s name was later adopted for the whole subcontinent as the land of “भारत” (Bharat).
Constitutional Significance :
- The Constitution of India officially recognizes both names. Article 1 of the Indian Constitution mentions that India, that is “भारत,” shall be a Union of States.
Cultural Unity :
- Despite the linguistic and historical differences, both names symbolize the unity in diversity that defines India. They represent a country where numerous languages, cultures, and traditions coexist harmoniously.
References :
- Indian Constitution
- Mahabharata and Indian Mythology
India and भारत are both names for the same country. India is the English name, while भारत is the Hindi name. The Hindi name is derived from the Sanskrit word Bhārata, which is the name of a king in Hindu mythology.
The English name India was given to the country by the British during their colonial rule. The Hindi name भारत has been used by the people of the country for centuries.
Both names are commonly used, but the English name India is generally used in international contexts, while the Hindi name भारत is generally used in domestic contexts.
Some people prefer to use the Hindi name भारत because it is the name of the country in the native language. Others prefer to use the English name India because it is more familiar to people outside of the country.
Yes, the official name of the country is the Republic of India. The Hindi name भारत is also used in official government documents.
There is some debate about which name should be used, but it is generally a matter of personal preference. There is no official policy on which name should be used.
- I am happy to use either India or भारत, depending on the context.
- If I am writing for an international audience, I will use the English name India. If I am writing for a domestic audience, I will use the Hindi name भारत.
- I also respect the preferences of the people I am communicating with. If someone tells me that they prefer to use one name over the other, I will use the name that they prefer.