Ancient India and Its Names

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Questions and Answers

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

  • Land of seven rivers (correct)
  • Land of ancient texts
  • Land of mountains
  • Land of rivers

Which text is considered the most ancient in India?

  • Mahābhārata
  • Puranas
  • Upanishads
  • Ṛig Veda (correct)

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

  • Kurukṣhetra
  • Kaccha
  • Vanga
  • Kāshmīra (correct)

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

<p>A river in general or the Indus River (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Spiritual and cultural unity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Kutch (A), Assam (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They are more defined and stable (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Indian Subcontinent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The various names and shifting boundaries it has had (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It reflects varying perspectives from locals and outsiders (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Jambudvīpa (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Ocean and snowy mountains (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Bharat and Bharatam (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ancient text mentions the description of Bhārata?

<p>Viṣhṇu Purāṇa (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Bharat was adopted instead of Jambudvīpa (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Sindhu

The Indus River, a major waterway in the northwest region of India.

Sapta Sindhava

The name for the northwest region of India in the Ṛig Veda, meaning 'land of the seven rivers'.

Ṛig Veda

A collection of ancient Indian hymns, containing the name 'Sapta Sindhava' for the northwest region of India.

Mahābhārata

Ancient Indian epic containing names of various regions, including Kashmir, Haryana, Bengal, Assam, Kutch, and Kerala.

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The name for the entire Indian Subcontinent.

To discover a comprehensive name for the entire Indian Subcontinent.

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Indian Subcontinent

The area of land that includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives.

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India's Evolving Boundaries

The country of India has changed greatly throughout history. India's size, shape, and borders have evolved over thousands of years.

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India's Changing Names

India's name has changed many times throughout its history. This is due to various factors like political changes and how outsiders view the region.

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Sources for Understanding India's Past

Many sources can provide insight into India's past, like old texts and archaeological records. These sources can help us understand how India has changed throughout history.

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Indian Subcontinent's Natural Boundaries

The natural features that mark the edges of the Indian Subcontinent; these include the Himalayan Mountains, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal.

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What is Jambudvīpa?

The term "Jambudvīpa" referred to ancient India, encompassing a vast region that included present-day Bangladesh, Pakistan, and parts of Afghanistan.

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When did "Bhārata" become the name for India?

The name "Bhārata" became the common name for the Indian Subcontinent a few centuries after Jambudvīpa. It is derived from a description in the Viṣhṇu Purāṇa.

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How is Bhārata described in the Viṣhṇu Purāṇa?

The Viṣhṇu Purāṇa describes Bhārata as the land situated north of the ocean and south of the Himalayas.

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How does the written form of "Bhārata" differ regionally?

The name "Bhārata" has evolved into different variations in various parts of India, with "Bharat" being common in North India and "Bharatam" prevalent in South India.

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Is the term "Bhārata" still relevant today?

The term "Bhārata" is still in use today, emphasizing the continuity of this name for the Indian Subcontinent.

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Study Notes

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.

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