Have you ever wondered about the rich history behind the name "Bharat," now known globally as "India"? This ancient name carries with it a tapestry of cultural & historical significance that is deeply ingrained in the heritage of the Indian subcontinent.
The story that most of us know is that the name "Bharat" (pronounced Bhaarat - भारत) finds its roots in Indian history. According to Ramayana (Valmiki Ramayana: Baalkaand refers to this history), Bharat (pronounced Bharat - भरत) was an ancient king, a descendant of the Chandravansh and the eldest son of King Dushyanta and Queen Shakuntala. Bharat captured most of the Indian subcontinent under a single monarchy, and many believe that it is after Bharat that the country is named as Bharat (भारत), as King Bharat was the first Chakravarti Samrat or Emperor of India. However, neither Ramayana nor any other texts propound that King Bharat was the first emperor. On the other hand, Ramayana itself lists dynasties from King Manu and even before who ruled India or parts of it. Next reference is of the second King Bharat, the younger brother of Bhagwan Ram, who ruled Ayodhya from Nandigram, awaiting the return of Bhagwan Ram from exile and claim the throne as the rightful owner. The ideal that he set in administration and Dharma is lauded over by historians, philosophers and epics over the ages, and many believe that this led the country ruled by him on behalf of Bhagwan Ram to be called "Bharat". Thus, both King Bharats had immense contribution to the administration and ruling of the country in their era, and the country's name might have found its origin in their legacy as Bharat (भारत).
An etymological assessment of the Sanskrit word Bharat (भारत) gives us the sandhivigrah as "bha" (भा) which means "light" or "knowledge," and "rata" (रत) which means "devoted" or "engrossed." Thus, "Bharat" means "the land of the enlightened" or "the land of those devoted to knowledge."
A reference to this name can be clearly found in Vishnu Purana 2.3.1 as -
उत्तरं यत् समुद्रस्य हिमाद्रेश्चैव दक्षिणम् | वर्षं तद् भारतं नाम भारती यत्र सन्ततिः ||
This clearly translates to - "The land (वर्षं) that lies to the north of the ocean and to the south of the Himalayas is named as Bharat and the people their are called "Bharati"
Over time, the name "Bharat" became synonymous with the Indian subcontinent itself. It symbolizes the rich cultural heritage, diversity, and unity of the land. The medieval Europeans started calling Bharat as India, and the name 'India' stayed with the advent of the British Raj for over 200 years.
The name "Bharat" serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted history and cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent. It embodies the spirit of unity amidst diversity, reflecting the timeless traditions and values that have shaped the identity of this ancient land. Next time you hear the name "Bharat," remember its profound significance and the centuries of history and legacy it carries within its syllables.
The following verses are apt to conclude the topic:
Bharat, derived from ancient kings' reign,
Symbolizes unity, culture's domain.
Rooted in knowledge, its legacy immense,
A reminder of India's deep, rich essence.
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