Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the meaning of the term 'Sapta Sindhava' as used in the Ṛig Veda?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Which aspect indicates the evolution of India's identity over time?
What can be inferred about the term 'inhabitants' regarding India?
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?
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'?
Which geographical features are referred to in the definition of 'Bhārata'?
How do the names for India differ between north and south India?
How do the names for India differ between north and south India?
Which ancient text mentions the description of Bhārata?
Which ancient text mentions the description of Bhārata?
What significant change occurred regarding the name used for the Indian Subcontinent over the centuries?
What significant change occurred regarding the name used for the Indian Subcontinent over the centuries?
Flashcards
Sindhu
Sindhu
The Indus River, a major waterway in the northwest region of India.
Sapta Sindhava
Sapta Sindhava
The name for the northwest region of India in the Ṛig Veda, meaning 'land of the seven rivers'.
Ṛig Veda
Ṛig Veda
A collection of ancient Indian hymns, containing the name 'Sapta Sindhava' for the northwest region of India.
Mahābhārata
Mahābhārata
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The name for the entire Indian Subcontinent.
The name for the entire Indian Subcontinent.
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Indian Subcontinent
Indian Subcontinent
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India's Evolving Boundaries
India's Evolving Boundaries
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India's Changing Names
India's Changing Names
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Sources for Understanding India's Past
Sources for Understanding India's Past
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Indian Subcontinent's Natural Boundaries
Indian Subcontinent's Natural Boundaries
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What is Jambudvīpa?
What is Jambudvīpa?
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When did "Bhārata" become the name for India?
When did "Bhārata" become the name for India?
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How is Bhārata described in the Viṣhṇu Purāṇa?
How is Bhārata described in the Viṣhṇu Purāṇa?
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How does the written form of "Bhārata" differ regionally?
How does the written form of "Bhārata" differ regionally?
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Is the term "Bhārata" still relevant today?
Is the term "Bhārata" still relevant today?
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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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