Ancient India and Its Names

What is the meaning of the term 'Sapta Sindhava' as used in the Ṛig Veda?

Which text is considered the most ancient in India?

Which region is referred to in the Mahābhārata and corresponds to modern-day Kashmir?

What does the word 'Sindhu' refer to in the context of Indian geography?

What unifying aspect characterized India at an early time according to Sri Aurobindo?

In addition to Kāshmīra, which other region is listed in the Mahābhārata as part of ancient India?

Which of the following describes the state of India's borders today compared to 500 or 2,000 years ago?

What term is used to refer to the region known as India in a geographical sense?

Which aspect indicates the evolution of India's identity over time?

What can be inferred about the term 'inhabitants' regarding India?

What term was used in ancient texts to refer to the whole region that includes present-day India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan?

Which geographical features are referred to in the definition of 'Bhārata'?

How do the names for India differ between north and south India?

Which ancient text mentions the description of Bhārata?

What significant change occurred regarding the name used for the Indian Subcontinent over the centuries?

India, That Is Bharat

Early India saw spiritual and cultural unity encompassing the land between the Himalayas and the seas.
Figure 5.1 depicts a rural Indian scene from 2300 years ago (Sanchi Stupa).

Defining India

Today's India has defined borders, states, and population.
This was not always the case; India's boundaries and names evolved over thousands of years.

Ancient Names for India

The ancient name “Sapta Sindhava” described the northwest region with seven rivers.
“Sindhu”, relating to the Indus River, was a significant term.
The term "Bharatavarsha" encompasses the entire Indian Subcontinent.
“Jambudvīpa” was another used term potentially referring to the Indian Subcontinent.
Ancient Persians, Greeks and Chinese had names for India connected to the Indus River (Sindhu).
Indian rulers like Ashoka (250 BCE) also used the term Bharat in inscriptions.

Geographical Information

Figure 5.2 displays a physical map of the Indian Subcontinent with key rivers.
Figure 5.4 shows a map of regions in the Mahābhārata. (Not all regions need memorization but note the breadth).

Foreign Perceptions of India

Ancient Persians called the region Hind, Hidu, or Hindu, though not necessarily referring to the religion.
Greeks called it Indoi or Indike.
Chinese used terms like Tianzhu (heavenly master).

The Constitution of India

The Constitution of India uses the phrase "India, that is Bharat" in its English version.

Explore the history and geographical significance of India in this quiz. Discover the ancient names used for the Indian subcontinent and how they reflect its cultural and spiritual unity. Test your knowledge on India's evolving boundaries and historical context.