Ancient India: Aurobindo's Perspective
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Questions and Answers

What is the ancient description of India according to Sri Aurobindo?

  • A land of spiritual and cultural unity (correct)
  • A territory defined by borders
  • A region of rich history
  • A nation of diverse cultures

India has always had the same defined borders.

False (B)

What term is often used to refer to the geographic area that includes India?

Indian Subcontinent

India has been called by many names, both by its inhabitants and by __________ from outside.

<p>visitors</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following historical time periods with their descriptions:

<p>500 years ago = Defined states and borders starting to form 2000 years ago = Cultural practices evolving 5000 years ago = Early civilization development Today = Modern nation with known demographics</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a focus of the chapter?

<p>The economic development of India (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The current nation of India resembles its historical form from 2,000 years ago.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Sapta Sindhava' refer to?

<p>The land of the seven rivers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Mahābhārata is considered one of India's ancient texts.

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

Who is quoted in the content about India's spiritual and cultural unity?

<p>Sri Aurobindo</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one region mentioned in the Mahābhārata.

<p>Kāshmīra</p> Signup and view all the answers

The northwest region of the Indian Subcontinent is referred to as ______.

<p>Sapta Sindhava</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following regions to their modern-day counterparts:

<p>Kāshmīra = Kashmir Kaccha = Kutch Kurukṣhetra = Haryana Prāgjyotiṣha = Assam</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a region in the Mahābhārata?

<p>Delhi (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Indus River is also referred to as 'Sindhu'.

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

What ancient text is considered India's most ancient text?

<p>Ṛig Veda</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the ancient name used to describe the whole of India?

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

The name 'Bhārata' is a term that is no longer in use today.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which ancient text is the description of Bhārata mentioned?

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

The country that lies north of the ocean and south of the ______ is called Bhārata.

<p>snowy mountains</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which region is associated with 'Cape Kumari' mentioned in ancient Tamil literature?

<p>South India (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Indian Constitution came into force in 1947.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the names of India with their respective regional variations:

<p>Jambudvīpa = Whole of India Bhārata = General term for Indian Subcontinent Bharat = Northern spelling of Bhārata Bharatam = Southern spelling of Bhārata</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which regions were included in the ancient definition of Jambudvīpa?

<p>India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and parts of Afghanistan (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What phrase is used at the beginning of the Indian Constitution?

<p>India, that is Bharat</p> Signup and view all the answers

The first foreigners to mention India were the _______.

<p>Persians</p> Signup and view all the answers

The definition of India has always varied across different regions.

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

Match the following elements with their respective details:

<p>Cape Kumari = Southern tip of India The Great Mountain = Himalayas 1950 = Constitution came into force Persians = First foreigners to mention India</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the terms 'Bharat' and 'Bharatam'?

<p>'Bharat' is used in north India, while 'Bharatam' is often used in south India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'Bhārat arthāth India'?

<p>It is a phrase used in the Preamble of the Constitution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ancient Indians had a limited understanding of geography.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What document outlines the basic principles and laws of India?

<p>The Indian Constitution</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term did ancient Greeks use to refer to the region known as India?

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

The term 'Hindu' originally referred to the Hindu religion in ancient Persian.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who traveled from China to India in the 7th century CE?

<p>Xuanzang</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Persians referred to India as _____ in their earliest records.

<p>Hind</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the original basis for the term 'Yindu' in ancient Chinese texts?

<p>Sindhu (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The initial letter 'h' from 'Hindu' existed in the Greek language.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adaptations did the Persians make from the original 'Sindhu'?

<p>Hind, Hidu, Hindu</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms to their respective languages:

<p>Sindhu = Persian Hindu = Greek Yindu = Chinese Indoi = Greek</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the duration of the Chinese scholar's visit to India?

<p>17 years (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The term 'Hindustān' was first used in a Chinese inscription.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What language did the Chinese scholar translate the manuscripts into?

<p>Chinese</p> Signup and view all the answers

The name that became widespread and is used in most Indian languages is __________.

<p>Bhārata</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following names of India with their origins:

<p>Tianzhu = Chinese Jambudvīpa = Ancient Indian Hindustān = Persian India = Latin</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who did the ancient Chinese respect as the land of the Buddha?

<p>India (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Several scholars from China visited India over the centuries.

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

What does the word 'Tianzhu' imply in addition to being derived from 'Sindhu'?

<p>Heavenly master</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is the Ṛig Veda?

The oldest and most revered text in India, it is thousands of years old and mentions the Northwest region of the subcontinent as 'Sapta Sindhava' referring to the land of 7 rivers.

What does 'Sindhu' refer to?

Referrences to the Indus river, it also signifies a general river in the ancient Indian context.

What information do we get from the Mahābhārata about India?

The Mahābhārata, one of India's most famous texts, provides the names of various regions in the subcontinent, including Kāshmīra, Kurukṣhetra, Vanga, Prāgjyotiṣha, Kaccha, Kerala, and others.

What is the name given to the Northwest region of the subcontinent in the Ṛig Veda?

The name 'Sapta Sindhava' was given to the Northwest region of the Indian subcontinent in the Ṛig Veda.

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What regions are mentioned in the Mahābhārata?

The Mahābhārata gives names to various regions in the subcontinent which are mentioned in the text, including Kashmir, Haryana, Bengal, Assam, Kutch, and Kerala.

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What is the connection between the Ṛig Veda and the name 'Sindhu'?

The Ṛig Veda refers to the northwest region of India as 'Sapta Sindhava', the land of seven rivers. The word 'Sindhava' comes from 'Sindhu', which refers to the Indus River.

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What are the sources of information for the different names given to India?

Ancient texts, traveler accounts, pilgrim records, and inscriptions provide various names for India.

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What does the Mahābhārata tell us about ancient India?

The Mahābhārata names various regions in the subcontinent, giving us insight into the geographical and cultural landscape of ancient India.

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Jambudvīpa

A geographical term used to describe the entire Indian subcontinent including modern day Bangladesh, Pakistan and parts of Afghanistan.

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Bhārata

A name used to describe the Indian subcontinent, derived from the ancient text "Vishnu Purana".

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Vishnu Purāṇa

An ancient text highlighting the geographical scope of 'Bhārata' in the Indian subcontinent.

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"The country that lies north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains is called Bhārata.”

The text from "Vishnu Purāṇa" which specifically defines "Bhārata" as the land between the ocean and the Himalayas.

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Himalayas

The Himalayan mountain range serves as a geographical boundary referenced in the "Vishnu Purāṇa" to define "Bhārata".

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Ocean

In Hindu texts like "Vishnu Purāṇa", the ocean is referenced as one of the geographical boundaries of "Bhārata".

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Regional variations in writing "Bhārata"

North India commonly writes "Bhārata" as 'Bharat', while South India frequently uses "Bharatam".

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Shared definition of India

The text suggests that different regions within the Indian subcontinent have adopted similar definitions for 'India' as described by "Bhārata".

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Ancient Tamil Literature & Geography

Ancient Tamil literature, which dates back around 2,000 years, describes a king whose fame extends across India, mentioning landmarks like Cape Kumari in the south and the Himalayas in the north.

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India, that is Bharat

The term "India, that is Bharat" is written in the first page of the Indian Constitution. This signifies that the country's official name is India, which is also known as Bharat.

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Dual Naming in the Indian Constitution

The Constitution of India, written in English, uses the phrase 'India, that is Bharat', while its Hindi version mentions 'Bhārat arthāth India'.

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What is the Indian Constitution?

The Indian Constitution is a document that outlines the basic principles and laws of the country.

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When did the Indian Constitution come into force?

The Indian Constitution, which was written in English, came into force in 1950.

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First Foreigners to Mention India

The Persians, ancient inhabitants of Iran, were the first foreigners to mention India.

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Where is the phrase 'India, that is Bharat' found?

The phrase 'India, that is Bharat' appears in the first page of the original Indian Constitution.

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When is the Indian Constitution studied in school?

The Indian Constitution will be studied in Grade 7.

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The Indian Subcontinent

The Indian Subcontinent is a large landmass located in South Asia. It is bordered by oceans to the south, east and west, and by mountains to the north. The Himalayan range acts as a natural barrier, separating the subcontinent from the rest of Asia.

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Many names for India

The Indian Subcontinent has been called by many names throughout history by its inhabitants and by visitors from outside. Think of how different groups or countries may refer to the same place differently.

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India

The Indian Subcontinent has been called India by its inhabitants as well as by visitors from outside. This name is derived from the Indus River, which flows through Pakistan and India.

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Shifting Boundaries

The Indian Subcontinent has seen shifting boundaries throughout history. This means that the physical territory and the borders of the region have changed over time.

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India's Evolution

The Indian Subcontinent has experienced a vast and diverse historical journey, leading to the modern nation of India that we know today.

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Sources of Knowledge of India

The Indian Subcontinent has a complex historical journey influenced by various sources. These sources include ancient texts, archaeological sites, and historical records that shed light on its past.

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Diversity of India

The Indian Subcontinent has been a land of many cultures and civilizations. Its people, languages, religions, and traditions represent a rich tapestry of history and culture.

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Tianzhu

A term used by ancient Chinese to refer to the Indian subcontinent, meaning 'heavenly master'.

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Hindustan

A term used by Persians to refer to the Indian subcontinent.

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Al-Hind

A term used by Arabs and Persians to refer to the Indian subcontinent.

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‘Hind’, ‘Hidu’ or ‘Hindu’ (Persian)

The name given to India by the Persian people in their earliest records and inscriptions. It derives from the ancient name of the Indus River, 'Sindhu'.

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‘Indoi’ or ‘Indike’ (Greek)

The ancient Greek name for India. They adopted the Persian term, 'Hindu', and modified it due to the absence of the letter 'h' in their language.

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‘Yintu’ or ‘Yindu’ (Chinese)

The term for India used by the ancient Chinese in their texts. They similarly adapted the Persian term, 'Hindu,' and modified it through their linguistic customs.

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‘Sindhu’

The original name of the Indus River, from which numerous names for modern India have been derived. The name 'Sindhu' is of ancient Indian origin.

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Hindu (Persian)

The ancient geographic term for the Indian subcontinent used by the Persians, predating the emergence of Hinduism. The word was a purely geographical term, not a religious one.

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Interaction between the Chinese and India in ancient times

Ancient texts describe the interaction between the Chinese and India. This demonstrates the significant historical connections between different cultures.

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First page of the Indian Constitution

The first page of the Indian Constitution, a symbolic representation of the country's governing document. This highlights the formal establishment of India's political system.

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Xuanzang

A renowned Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled from China to India in the 7th century CE. His journey highlighted the cultural exchange happening across Asia during that period.

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Study Notes

India's Early History and Names

  • Early India had spiritual and cultural unity, encompassing the land between the Himalayas and the seas.
  • A scene from rural India, circa 2300 years ago, is depicted in Figure 5.1 (north gate of the Great Sanchi Stupa).

Defining India

  • Today's India has defined borders, states, and a known population.
  • However, India's geography and names have changed significantly over time.

Ancient Names for India

  • Ancient texts, travelers, and inscriptions reveal various names for India.
  • Inhabitants called it by many names.
  • Names like "Sapta Sindhava" referring to the land of the seven rivers (the Indus River and its tributaries).
  • "Bharata" is another significant name, and it’s mentioned in the Rig Veda, referring to a group of people, later describing the whole subcontinent
  • "Jambudvīpa" meaning the island of the jamun tree, also representing the land of India.

Foreign Perspectives on India's Name

  • Persians referred to India as Hind, Hidu, or Hindu (an adaptation of Sindhu).
  • Greeks termed the region Indoi or Indike, dropping the initial "h" from Hindu.
  • Chinese called the region Tianzhu, reflecting respect for India as the land of the Buddha, or Yintu/Yindu, a derivation of Sindhu
  • The Persian term "Hindustan" appeared in inscriptions, around 1800 years ago
  • The Indian Constitution, written in English, refers to India as Bharat.

Key Points

  • Geographical changes over time shaped the conceptualization of "India" across different cultures and time periods.
  • Ancient texts, such as the Mahabharata, provide insights into names and regions within the pre-modern framework of the Subcontinent.
  • The Indian Constitution, by incorporating "Bharat" in its English version, reflects the linguistic and cultural evolution of modern India.

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India, That Is Bharat PDF

Description

Explore the ancient descriptions of India through the insights of Sri Aurobindo. This quiz covers historical names, geographical definitions, and significant texts like the Mahābhārata. Test your knowledge of India's cultural and spiritual unity as represented in ancient literature.

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