Chapter 5: India, That Is Bharat
6th StandardSocial Science
Chapter Summary
India, That Is Bharat - Chapter Summary
# India, That Is Bharat
## Overview
This chapter explores how India came to be known by various names over time — both by its own people and by visitors from around the world. It shows how the concept of India evolved spiritually, culturally, and geographically from ancient times to the present.
## Key Topics Covered
### 1. The Many Names of India
- India, today a modern nation, has a history going back thousands of years with various names and shifting boundaries.
- Names such as **Sapta Sindhava**, **Bhāratavarṣha**, and **Jambudvīpa** originated from ancient Indian texts like the Ṛig Veda and the Mahābhārata.
- The Mahābhārata listed regional names such as Kāshmīra (Kashmir), Kurukṣhetra (Haryana), Vanga (Bengal), and Kerala.
- **Bhāratavarṣha** means “the country of the Bharatas” and refers to a large region — the Indian Subcontinent.
- **Jambudvīpa** is a poetic name meaning “island of the jamun tree”.
### 2. India in Ancient Literature and Inscriptions
- Emperor **Aśhoka** (250 BCE) used the term **Jambudvīpa** in inscriptions to refer to all of India, which then included parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
- The **Viṣhṇu Purāṇa** further reinforced the idea of Bhārata as the land between the Himalayas and the ocean.
### 3. Geographic Understanding
- Ancient texts and poems also defined India’s geography using natural boundaries — north (Himalayas), south (Cape Kumari), east and west (oceans).
- This widespread understanding shows that ancient Indians had a unified sense of their geography.
### 4. Modern Reference in the Constitution
- The **Indian Constitution** refers to the country as **“India, that is Bharat”** in its very first sentence, showing continuity with ancient identities.
### 5. How Foreigners Named India
- **Persians** were among the first to name the region. They used words like **Hind**, **Hidu**, or **Hindu**, derived from the river Sindhu (Indus).
- **Greeks** adapted this to **Indoi** or **Indike**, dropping the 'h' sound.
- **Chinese** referred to India as **Yintu**, **Yindu**, and also **Tianzhu**, the latter meaning “heavenly master,” reflecting respect for India’s spiritual heritage.
- The word **Hindustān** came into use around 1,800 years ago via Persian influence and was used by many later invaders and visitors.
- The term **India** as used in English, Latin, and French (Inde) also comes from these adaptations.
## New Terms and Definitions
| Term | Simple Definition |
|----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Bhāratavarṣha | Ancient name meaning “Land of the Bharatas” |
| Jambudvīpa | Poetic name for India meaning “Island of the Jamun tree” |
| Constitution | A document that defines the basic rules and principles of a country|
| Inhabitants | People who live in a particular area |
| Sindhu | Ancient name of the Indus River |
| Viṣhṇu Purāṇa | An old Indian text describing geography and myths |
| Aśhoka | Indian emperor who ruled around 250 BCE and left many inscriptions |
| Sapta Sindhava | Land of the seven rivers, as described in the Ṛig Veda |
| Cape Kumari | Southern tip of India |
| Himalayas | Tallest mountain range in the north of India |
## Practice Questions
### Easy (3)
1. **What is the meaning of Bhāratavarṣha?**
*Answer:* It means “the land of the Bharatas,” one of the ancient tribes mentioned in the Ṛig Veda.
2. **Who first used the term 'Jambudvīpa'?**
*Answer:* The term is found in ancient Indian texts and inscriptions, including those of Emperor Aśhoka.
3. **What does the Constitution of India say at the beginning about the country’s name?**
*Answer:* It says “India, that is Bharat.”
### Medium (2)
4. **How did the name ‘India’ evolve through different languages?**
*Answer:* It began from ‘Sindhu’ in Sanskrit → ‘Hindu’ in Persian → ‘Indoi’ in Greek → ‘India’ in Latin and English.
5. **Name three ancient texts that mention India or its regions.**
*Answer:* Ṛig Veda, Mahābhārata, and Viṣhṇu Purāṇa.
### Difficult (3)
6. **Explain the geographical description of Bhārata given in the Viṣhṇu Purāṇa.**
*Answer:* It describes Bhārata as the land lying north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains (Himalayas).
7. **Why did different names for India emerge over time?**
*Answer:* Names changed based on who was referring to the region — locals, invaders, travelers — and the languages they used.
8. **How did the term ‘Hindustān’ come into common usage?**
*Answer:* It appeared in Persian inscriptions around 1,800 years ago and was used by invaders and travelers to refer to India.
### Very Difficult (2)
9. **Compare and contrast the names 'Bhārata' and 'Hindustān' in terms of origin and usage.**
*Answer:* ‘Bhārata’ is of local origin, rooted in ancient texts like the Ṛig Veda. ‘Hindustān’ came from Persian influence and became common in medieval times.
10. **Why do you think the name of a country is important in understanding its identity?**
*Answer:* Names reflect cultural, historical, and spiritual identities. They show how people saw themselves and how others perceived them across time.
---
## Overview
This chapter explores how India came to be known by various names over time — both by its own people and by visitors from around the world. It shows how the concept of India evolved spiritually, culturally, and geographically from ancient times to the present.
## Key Topics Covered
### 1. The Many Names of India
- India, today a modern nation, has a history going back thousands of years with various names and shifting boundaries.
- Names such as **Sapta Sindhava**, **Bhāratavarṣha**, and **Jambudvīpa** originated from ancient Indian texts like the Ṛig Veda and the Mahābhārata.
- The Mahābhārata listed regional names such as Kāshmīra (Kashmir), Kurukṣhetra (Haryana), Vanga (Bengal), and Kerala.
- **Bhāratavarṣha** means “the country of the Bharatas” and refers to a large region — the Indian Subcontinent.
- **Jambudvīpa** is a poetic name meaning “island of the jamun tree”.
### 2. India in Ancient Literature and Inscriptions
- Emperor **Aśhoka** (250 BCE) used the term **Jambudvīpa** in inscriptions to refer to all of India, which then included parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
- The **Viṣhṇu Purāṇa** further reinforced the idea of Bhārata as the land between the Himalayas and the ocean.
### 3. Geographic Understanding
- Ancient texts and poems also defined India’s geography using natural boundaries — north (Himalayas), south (Cape Kumari), east and west (oceans).
- This widespread understanding shows that ancient Indians had a unified sense of their geography.
### 4. Modern Reference in the Constitution
- The **Indian Constitution** refers to the country as **“India, that is Bharat”** in its very first sentence, showing continuity with ancient identities.
### 5. How Foreigners Named India
- **Persians** were among the first to name the region. They used words like **Hind**, **Hidu**, or **Hindu**, derived from the river Sindhu (Indus).
- **Greeks** adapted this to **Indoi** or **Indike**, dropping the 'h' sound.
- **Chinese** referred to India as **Yintu**, **Yindu**, and also **Tianzhu**, the latter meaning “heavenly master,” reflecting respect for India’s spiritual heritage.
- The word **Hindustān** came into use around 1,800 years ago via Persian influence and was used by many later invaders and visitors.
- The term **India** as used in English, Latin, and French (Inde) also comes from these adaptations.
## New Terms and Definitions
| Term | Simple Definition |
|----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Bhāratavarṣha | Ancient name meaning “Land of the Bharatas” |
| Jambudvīpa | Poetic name for India meaning “Island of the Jamun tree” |
| Constitution | A document that defines the basic rules and principles of a country|
| Inhabitants | People who live in a particular area |
| Sindhu | Ancient name of the Indus River |
| Viṣhṇu Purāṇa | An old Indian text describing geography and myths |
| Aśhoka | Indian emperor who ruled around 250 BCE and left many inscriptions |
| Sapta Sindhava | Land of the seven rivers, as described in the Ṛig Veda |
| Cape Kumari | Southern tip of India |
| Himalayas | Tallest mountain range in the north of India |
## Practice Questions
### Easy (3)
1. **What is the meaning of Bhāratavarṣha?**
*Answer:* It means “the land of the Bharatas,” one of the ancient tribes mentioned in the Ṛig Veda.
2. **Who first used the term 'Jambudvīpa'?**
*Answer:* The term is found in ancient Indian texts and inscriptions, including those of Emperor Aśhoka.
3. **What does the Constitution of India say at the beginning about the country’s name?**
*Answer:* It says “India, that is Bharat.”
### Medium (2)
4. **How did the name ‘India’ evolve through different languages?**
*Answer:* It began from ‘Sindhu’ in Sanskrit → ‘Hindu’ in Persian → ‘Indoi’ in Greek → ‘India’ in Latin and English.
5. **Name three ancient texts that mention India or its regions.**
*Answer:* Ṛig Veda, Mahābhārata, and Viṣhṇu Purāṇa.
### Difficult (3)
6. **Explain the geographical description of Bhārata given in the Viṣhṇu Purāṇa.**
*Answer:* It describes Bhārata as the land lying north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains (Himalayas).
7. **Why did different names for India emerge over time?**
*Answer:* Names changed based on who was referring to the region — locals, invaders, travelers — and the languages they used.
8. **How did the term ‘Hindustān’ come into common usage?**
*Answer:* It appeared in Persian inscriptions around 1,800 years ago and was used by invaders and travelers to refer to India.
### Very Difficult (2)
9. **Compare and contrast the names 'Bhārata' and 'Hindustān' in terms of origin and usage.**
*Answer:* ‘Bhārata’ is of local origin, rooted in ancient texts like the Ṛig Veda. ‘Hindustān’ came from Persian influence and became common in medieval times.
10. **Why do you think the name of a country is important in understanding its identity?**
*Answer:* Names reflect cultural, historical, and spiritual identities. They show how people saw themselves and how others perceived them across time.
---
India, That Is Bharat
Overview
This chapter explores how India came to be known by various names over time — both by its own people and by visitors from around the world. It shows how the concept of India evolved spiritually, culturally, and geographically from ancient times to the present.
Key Topics Covered
1. The Many Names of India
- India, today a modern nation, has a history going back thousands of years with various names and shifting boundaries.
- Names such as Sapta Sindhava, Bhāratavarṣha, and Jambudvīpa originated from ancient Indian texts like the Ṛig Veda and the Mahābhārata.
- The Mahābhārata listed regional names such as Kāshmīra (Kashmir), Kurukṣhetra (Haryana), Vanga (Bengal), and Kerala.
- Bhāratavarṣha means “the country of the Bharatas” and refers to a large region — the Indian Subcontinent.
- Jambudvīpa is a poetic name meaning “island of the jamun tree”.
2. India in Ancient Literature and Inscriptions
- Emperor Aśhoka (250 BCE) used the term Jambudvīpa in inscriptions to refer to all of India, which then included parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
- The Viṣhṇu Purāṇa further reinforced the idea of Bhārata as the land between the Himalayas and the ocean.
3. Geographic Understanding
- Ancient texts and poems also defined India’s geography using natural boundaries — north (Himalayas), south (Cape Kumari), east and west (oceans).
- This widespread understanding shows that ancient Indians had a unified sense of their geography.
4. Modern Reference in the Constitution
- The Indian Constitution refers to the country as “India, that is Bharat” in its very first sentence, showing continuity with ancient identities.
5. How Foreigners Named India
- Persians were among the first to name the region. They used words like Hind, Hidu, or Hindu, derived from the river Sindhu (Indus).
- Greeks adapted this to Indoi or Indike, dropping the 'h' sound.
- Chinese referred to India as Yintu, Yindu, and also Tianzhu, the latter meaning “heavenly master,” reflecting respect for India’s spiritual heritage.
- The word Hindustān came into use around 1,800 years ago via Persian influence and was used by many later invaders and visitors.
- The term India as used in English, Latin, and French (Inde) also comes from these adaptations.
New Terms and Definitions
| Term | Simple Definition |
|---|---|
| Bhāratavarṣha | Ancient name meaning “Land of the Bharatas” |
| Jambudvīpa | Poetic name for India meaning “Island of the Jamun tree” |
| Constitution | A document that defines the basic rules and principles of a country |
| Inhabitants | People who live in a particular area |
| Sindhu | Ancient name of the Indus River |
| Viṣhṇu Purāṇa | An old Indian text describing geography and myths |
| Aśhoka | Indian emperor who ruled around 250 BCE and left many inscriptions |
| Sapta Sindhava | Land of the seven rivers, as described in the Ṛig Veda |
| Cape Kumari | Southern tip of India |
| Himalayas | Tallest mountain range in the north of India |
Practice Questions
Easy (3)
-
What is the meaning of Bhāratavarṣha?
Answer: It means “the land of the Bharatas,” one of the ancient tribes mentioned in the Ṛig Veda. -
Who first used the term 'Jambudvīpa'?
Answer: The term is found in ancient Indian texts and inscriptions, including those of Emperor Aśhoka. -
What does the Constitution of India say at the beginning about the country’s name?
Answer: It says “India, that is Bharat.”
Medium (2)
-
How did the name ‘India’ evolve through different languages?
Answer: It began from ‘Sindhu’ in Sanskrit → ‘Hindu’ in Persian → ‘Indoi’ in Greek → ‘India’ in Latin and English. -
Name three ancient texts that mention India or its regions.
Answer: Ṛig Veda, Mahābhārata, and Viṣhṇu Purāṇa.
Difficult (3)
-
Explain the geographical description of Bhārata given in the Viṣhṇu Purāṇa.
Answer: It describes Bhārata as the land lying north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains (Himalayas). -
Why did different names for India emerge over time?
Answer: Names changed based on who was referring to the region — locals, invaders, travelers — and the languages they used. -
How did the term ‘Hindustān’ come into common usage?
Answer: It appeared in Persian inscriptions around 1,800 years ago and was used by invaders and travelers to refer to India.
Very Difficult (2)
-
Compare and contrast the names 'Bhārata' and 'Hindustān' in terms of origin and usage.
Answer: ‘Bhārata’ is of local origin, rooted in ancient texts like the Ṛig Veda. ‘Hindustān’ came from Persian influence and became common in medieval times. -
Why do you think the name of a country is important in understanding its identity?
Answer: Names reflect cultural, historical, and spiritual identities. They show how people saw themselves and how others perceived them across time.