India vs. Bharat: The Controversy Surrounding the Country’s Name
The nation, which gracefully accommodates a variety of names with both ancient and modern origins, might undergo a name change, according to reports. But what are these names, and what is their historical background?
India might undergo an official renaming to “Bharat” under the Narendra Modi government, as per recent yet unconfirmed reports. These reports gained momentum due to the circulation of a prominent official invitation for the G20 summit, which urged attendees to join the “President of Bharat” for a dinner event.
Numerous opposition leaders took to social media to share these invitations for the dinner scheduled on September 9th, omitting the country’s English name “India.” Rumors suggest that Mr. Modi’s ruling Hindu nationalist government is contemplating this name change during a special parliamentary session this month. This comes in the wake of actions that involved removing references to past governments and leaders, including the country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, from significant official landmarks and buildings.
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The alteration from “India” to “Bharat” in the formal invitation for a global summit, which will witness the presence of leaders like Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak, could potentially indicate the Modi administration’s intention to rename the country.
What is the Official Name of India?
The official name of the country is stipulated in the Indian Constitution as “India, that is Bharat,” which is described as “a Union of states.” The Indian Constitution was drafted and made public in 1951, and the topic had been a subject of extensive debate both before and after India gained independence in 1947.
Nehru, also a historian, had said in his book, Discovery of India: “Often, as I wandered from meeting to meeting, I spoke to my audiences of this India of ours, of Hindustan and of Bharata, the old Sanskrit name derived from the mythical founders of the race.” He had mentioned the three most popular names – Hindustan, India and Bharat – with their own roots to the geographical and historical relevance of the country.
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All the official documents for the country in English carry the name “India” when referring to the Republic, its ministries, domestic and foreign correspondence, and even while mentioning leaders as Indian leaders. Valid identity cards like passports and voting cards use the term “India” as the official marker of citizenship. The documents published in colloquial Hindi language say “Bharat” instead of “India”.
Where do the names India and Bharat come from?
The earliest historical records identifying the nation feature the use of terms like “Bharat,” “Bharata,” or “Bharatvarsha.” These commonly used terms have been enshrined in the Constitution alongside “India.”
“Bharat,” a Sanskrit appellation for the country, has its roots in ancient Puranic literature and is also associated with one of India’s major epics, the Mahabharata. According to Hindu mythology, Indians are believed to be descendants of King Bharat, a mythical figure credited with founding the Indian race. Many historians trace its origins to early Hindu texts. In Hindi, the term also signifies “India.”
The name “India” gained prominence during the British colonial rule, starting in the late 18th century, and was widely used on historical maps. Following independence, the country’s new leaders did not discard this usage but incorporated it into official documents.
Who is calling for Bharat to be used?
After centuries of being internationally recognized as India, the Modi administration is now advocating for a name change. Interestingly, this development comes shortly after opposition leaders in the country formed a united alliance bloc named “INDIA,” which stands for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. Their goal is to challenge Mr. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming elections next year.
On Tuesday, several right-wing leaders from his party expressed support for the potential use of “Bharat” as the sole official name for the nation. This enthusiasm was fueled by widely shared photos on social media, which displayed an official invitation for India’s G20 summit, inviting foreign dignitaries to join the “President of Bharat” without any mention of “India” on the card.
Why is this currently in the headlines?
The recent surge in attention stems from the opposition’s transformation into the “INDIA” party. They have asserted their commitment to safeguarding democracy and preserving the concept of a unified nation, which they argue has come under threat from Mr. Modi’s Hindu nationalist party. This comes amidst a significant increase in reported incidents targeting religious minorities in the country, with a particular focus on the Muslim community.
Right-wing political leaders from Mr. Modi’s BJP assert that “India” was originally introduced by British colonialists, considering it a “symbol of slavery.” They argue that changing the name is an attempt to reclaim India’s Hindu heritage. However, it’s essential to note that India is home to a diverse population practicing various religions. In recent weeks, several of Mr. Modi’s ministers have updated their social media bios, replacing “India” with “Bharat.”
Since then, some officials within Mr. Modi’s party have called for the country to be officially referred to as “Bharat.” However, they have not provided a clear plan for renaming official documents, prominent national structures, hospitals, colleges, and universities that currently use the name “India.”
