Who coined the Word India?
NCERT, The name “India” is derived from the River Indus, and it was first used by the ancient Greeks, particularly Herodotus, around the 5th century BCE to refer to the region in South Asia. Over time, this name became widely adopted to describe the subcontinent.
Why India should be renamed Bharat?
The proposal to use “Bharat” alongside “India” as the official name for the country is rooted in cultural and historical reasons. Here are some of the arguments in favor of using “Bharat” as the name for India:
- Cultural Heritage: “Bharat” has deep roots in Indian culture and history, being a name that finds mention in ancient texts like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Using “Bharat” is seen as a way to honor and connect with the country’s rich cultural heritage.
- Promoting Indigenous Identity: Advocates argue that “Bharat” is more indigenous and authentic, reflecting India’s identity and heritage, as opposed to the term “India,” which is believed to have foreign origins.
- Constitutional Recognition: “Bharat” is already recognized as the country’s name in the Constitution of India, which mentions “Bharat” as the official name in Hindi and other Indian languages.
- Language Unity: Some proponents believe that using “Bharat” can promote linguistic unity by acknowledging the name used in many Indian languages and dialects.
- Symbolic Change: Changing the official name from “India” to “Bharat” is seen as a symbolic step towards reasserting a sense of Indian identity and reducing the colonial legacy associated with the term “India.”
It’s important to note that this proposal has generated a range of opinions and discussions within India, with some in favor of retaining “India” due to its widespread international recognition and practicality.
The matter remains a subject of debate and consideration by authorities in India.
Action Taken By NCERT
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has formed a committee to suggest changes in school textbooks, and this committee has proposed some notable modifications:
- Name Change: The committee recommends replacing “India” with “Bharat” in school textbooks for all classes.
- Curriculum Adjustment: They suggest introducing “classical history” instead of “ancient history” in the curriculum. Additionally, they propose incorporating the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) into the syllabus for all subjects.
However, it’s crucial to note that the NCERT Chairman, Dinesh Saklani, has clarified that no final decision has been made regarding these recommendations.
The chairperson of the committee, C I Isaac, explained that the idea behind these changes is to promote the use of “Bharat” as an age-old name found in ancient texts like the Vishnu Purana, which dates back 7,000 years.
The committee also suggests emphasizing “Hindu victories” in various historical battles, arguing that while failures are currently mentioned in textbooks, Indian victories over the Mughals and Sultans are not adequately covered.
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They propose a shift from the British-imposed division of Indian history into “ancient, medieval, and modern” periods and recommend the inclusion of the “classical period” in school curricula.
Opposition parties have criticized these proposed changes, accusing the government of altering history due to concerns about the word “India” and an unfounded fear of defeat at the hands of “INDIA.” They argue that “India” is a source of pride and that the ruling government is attempting to instill a negative perception of the term.
It’s worth noting that the NCERT is in the process of revising the school curriculum to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020.
To facilitate this, a 19-member National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Committee (NSTC) has been established to finalize the curriculum, textbooks, and learning materials for these classes.
Best Books to Read for Understanding the India Bharat Conflict
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1) India That Is Bharat (English)
In the initial installment of a comprehensive trilogy, titled ‘India, That Is Bharat,’ the exploration delves into the impact of European ‘colonial consciousness’ or ‘coloniality,’ particularly its religious and racial origins, on Bharat as the successor state to the Indic civilization. Additionally, it delves into the origins of the Indian Constitution.
Buy Now From Amazon2) India, Bharat and Pakistan
In the second installment of the Bharat Trilogy, titled ‘India, Bharat and Pakistan,’ the narrative extends the conversation initiated in the best-selling predecessor, ‘India That Is Bharat.’
This volume delves into the collective impact of European and Middle Eastern colonial legacies on Bharat as the successor state to the Indic civilization, as well as on the genesis of the Indian Constitution.
Buy Now From Amazon