Class 6 Social Science NCERT CBSE
Chapter 5 India That is Bharat Question Answers
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India, That Is Bharat
India has been known by many names throughout history. It is a land with deep cultural and spiritual roots, and its identity has evolved over thousands of years.
How Was India Defined?
Today, we see India as a country with clear borders, states, and a large population. But in the past, the Indian Subcontinent had different names and boundaries that changed over time. People in ancient India and foreign visitors used different names for the land, based on their languages and cultures.
Ancient Names of India
- Sapta Sindhava – The oldest known name for India, found in the Ṛig Veda, means "Land of the Seven Rivers."
- Bhāratavarṣha – Used in the Mahābhārata, this name means "Land of the Bharatas," referring to an ancient group of people.
- Jambudvīpa – A poetic name meaning "Land of the Jambul (Jamun) Tree."
- Bhārata – This became the most popular name over time. Ancient texts, including the Viṣhṇu Purāṇa, describe India as the land between the Himalayas and the ocean.
Names Given by Foreigners
- Hind/Hindu/Hidu – The Persians, who came to India around 600 BCE, used this name based on the Sindhu (Indus) River.
- Indoi/Indike – The Greeks, like Alexander the Great, called the land ‘Indoi,’ which led to the Latin word ‘India.’
- Yindu/Yintu – The Chinese adapted ‘Sindhu’ into these names. They respected India as the land of Buddhism.
- Hindustān – A Persian name for the Indian Subcontinent, first seen about 1,800 years ago.
India in the Constitution
India's official name today is "India, that is Bharat," as written in the Indian Constitution. The Hindi version uses "Bhārat arthāth India," showing how both names continue to be used.
Why Did People Visit India?
Since ancient times, people traveled to India for many reasons:
- Trade – India was famous for its spices, textiles, and precious stones.
- Religion – Many came to learn about Hinduism, Buddhism, and other spiritual traditions.
- Knowledge – India was home to great universities like Nalanda, which attracted scholars.
- Conquests – Some invaders wanted to control India’s rich resources and land.
India is an ancient land with a rich history. It has been called many names, both by its own people and by outsiders. However, one thing remains the same—India has always been a land of culture, learning, and diversity. The name ‘Bharat’ connects India to its deep historical roots, while ‘India’ reflects its global identity.
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