All questions of India, That Is Bharat for Class 6 Exam

The ancient Greeks used the name 'Indoi' or 'Indike' for the region of India, derived from the Persian term 'Hindu'. An interesting fact is that the Greeks dropped the initial 'h' because it did not exist in their language, resulting in 'Indoi'.

The Ṛig Veda is India's most ancient text and refers to the northwest region of the Subcontinent as 'Sapta Sindhava,' meaning 'land of the seven rivers'. An interesting fact is that the word 'Sindhava' comes from 'Sindhu', which refers to the Indus River.

Understanding the Term 'Sindhu'
The name 'Sindhu' refers to the Indus River, which was historically significant in ancient Indian civilization. The term has evolved into various names over time, but not all names derive from 'Sindhu.'
Names Derived from 'Sindhu'
- Hind: The term 'Hind' is derived from 'Sindhu' as it refers to the land beyond the Indus River. The Persians referred to the region as 'Hindu' due to their phonetic interpretation.
- Yindu: This name is also derived from 'Sindhu' and represents the same geographical and cultural heritage associated with the Indus River.
- Indo: The prefix 'Indo' relates to 'Sindhu' as well, particularly in terms like 'Indo-Aryan' and 'Indo-European,' where it denotes a connection to the Indian subcontinent.
Why 'Bharatavarṣha' is NOT Derived from 'Sindhu'
- Bhāratavarṣha: This term refers to the ancient name of India, derived from 'Bharata,' a legendary king mentioned in ancient texts. It signifies the land of Bharata and is not directly linked to 'Sindhu.'
Conclusion
In summary, while 'Hind,' 'Yindu,' and 'Indo' are all derived from 'Sindhu,' 'Bharatavarṣha' stands apart as it originates from a different historical and cultural context, making it the correct answer to the question.

Emperor Aśhoka, around 250 BCE, referred to the Indian Subcontinent as 'Jambudvīpa' in his inscriptions. This name means 'the island of the fruit of the jamun tree' and reflects the common tree native to India. An interesting fact is that Aśhoka's inscriptions have been crucial in understanding ancient Indian history and geography.

The term 'Hindustān' was first used by the Persians to describe the Indian Subcontinent. An interesting fact is that this term has been used by many invaders and rulers over centuries to refer to the region.

Understanding the Reference in Ancient Tamil Literature
The phrase "from [Cape] Kumari in the south, from the great mountain in the north, from the oceans on the east and on the west" highlights the vast expanse of a king's influence and recognition across the Indian subcontinent. However, the specific identity of the king is not explicitly stated in ancient Tamil literature.
Reasons for the Ambiguity
- Literary Tradition: Ancient Tamil literature often celebrates the greatness of kings and their realms, but it may not always provide specific names. This allows readers to interpret the descriptions more broadly, relating to various rulers.
- Symbolic Representation: The geographical markers (Cape Kumari, great mountain, oceans) symbolize the cultural and political unity of the Tamil region rather than pinpointing a single monarch.
- Historical Context: Kings like Aśhoka and Bharat, while significant, are not the ones referred to in this particular literary context. The focus is more on the idea of a great, revered king whose domain spans vast territories.
Conclusion
In summary, the absence of a specified king’s name in this reference serves to highlight the grandeur and timelessness of leadership in Tamil culture rather than focusing on one individual. Hence, the correct answer is that the name of the king is not specified, aligning with option 'D'. This ambiguity enriches the literary tradition, allowing for a multitude of interpretations and connections to various historical figures.

Introduction to the River Sindhu
The river that was adapted into Hindu by ancient Persians is the Sindhu, commonly known as the Indus River. This river holds significant historical and cultural importance.
Historical Context
- The term "Sindhu" was used by the ancient Persians to refer to the river.
- The Persians, when they encountered the Indian subcontinent, referred to the river using the name "Sindhu."
- The word "Hindu" is derived from "Sindhu," as the Persians used "H" to replace the "S" sound, leading to the term "Hindu" to describe the people living beyond the river.
Geographical Significance
- The Sindhu River originates from the Tibetan plateau and flows through northern India and into Pakistan.
- It is one of the longest rivers in the world, playing a crucial role in the development of civilizations, particularly the Indus Valley Civilization.
Cultural Relevance
- The Sindhu is mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Vedas, where it is revered as a sacred river.
- It symbolizes the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the region.
Conclusion
In summary, the Sindhu River is pivotal in understanding the historical nomenclature and cultural connections between ancient Persia and the Indian subcontinent. Its adaptation into "Hindu" illustrates the linguistic transitions that occurred due to cultural interactions.

The Viṣhṇu Purāṇa uses the term 'Bhārata' for the Indian Subcontinent. An interesting fact is that this text describes India as the country lying north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains.

The ancient Persians were the first to refer to India as 'Hind', an adaptation of 'Sindhu', the name of the Indus River. An interesting fact is that this term originally referred to a geographical region and not to the Hindu religion.

Understanding 'Bhārata' in the Viṣhṇu Purāṇa
The term 'Bhārata' has significant cultural and historical implications in ancient Indian texts, particularly in the Viṣhṇu Purāṇa.
Meaning of 'Bhārata'
- 'Bhārata' primarily refers to the land associated with the Bharata dynasty.
- This ancient lineage is believed to have descended from King Bharata, a legendary figure in Hindu mythology.
Geographical Significance
- The land of the Bharatas is often equated with the Indian subcontinent, indicating the geographical area inhabited by the Bharata people.
- It symbolizes a cultural and civilizational space that has evolved over millennia.
Mythological Context
- In the Viṣhṇu Purāṇa, 'Bhārata' represents not just a physical location but also embodies the essence of dharma (righteousness) and the socio-political structure of ancient India.
- The text highlights the importance of this land in the context of various divine narratives and historical accounts.
Conclusion
- Therefore, the correct interpretation of 'Bhārata' as the land of the Bharatas (option A) aligns with the historical and mythological context provided in the Viṣhṇu Purāṇa.
- This understanding enriches our knowledge of ancient Indian civilization and its contributions to cultural heritage.
By grasping the term 'Bhārata' in its comprehensive sense, one can appreciate the profound legacy it holds within the framework of Indian history and mythology.

The Meaning of Jambudvipa
Jambudvipa is a significant term in ancient Indian cosmology and geography, often found in texts like the Puranas and the Mahabharata. It refers to a mythical land with rich cultural and spiritual connotations.
Origin of the Name
- The term "Jambudvipa" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Jambu" (the jamun fruit) and "dvipa" (island).
- It literally translates to "the island of the fruit of the jamun tree," which is a type of berry native to the Indian subcontinent.
Symbolic Significance
- Jambudvipa is described as the central continent in the ancient Indian cosmological model.
- In this model, it is surrounded by various other continents and oceans, representing the universe's structure.
- The jamun fruit symbolizes abundance, fertility, and sustenance, reflecting the land's richness.
Geographical Context
- Jambudvipa is often associated with the Indian subcontinent, particularly the regions inhabited by the ancient Bharata tribe.
- It is considered a sacred and prosperous land, integral to various mythological narratives.
Conclusion
In summary, Jambudvipa signifies "the island of the fruit of the jamun tree," representing both a geographical and mythological concept crucial to understanding ancient Indian culture. Its connotations of fertility and abundance underscore its importance in classical literature and cosmology.

Origin of the Term "Yindu"
The term "Yindu" used by ancient Chinese scholars has its roots in the word "Sindhu," which is an ancient name for the Indus River. Here's a detailed explanation:
Historical Context
- The Indus River, flowing through present-day Pakistan and northwest India, was central to ancient civilizations.
- The local populace referred to the river and the region around it as "Sindhu."
Transformation to "Yindu"
- When the Persian Empire expanded, Persian speakers began to refer to the region by modifying "Sindhu" to "Hindu."
- The term "Hindu" was then adopted by the Greeks and later evolved into "Indus."
Chinese Adoption
- Ancient Chinese scholars, in their interactions with the Indian subcontinent, adopted the term "Yindu" from the Persian "Hindu."
- This represents a linguistic journey from "Sindhu" to "Hindu" and finally to "Yindu," reflecting cultural exchanges over centuries.
Conclusion
- Thus, the correct answer is option 'A': "Yindu" originates from "Sindhu."
- This highlights the rich historical and cultural connections between ancient civilizations and their languages.
Understanding these connections deepens our appreciation of how language evolves through trade, conquest, and cultural exchange.

The phrase 'India, that is Bharat' in the Indian Constitution signifies the historical names of India, recognizing both the ancient and modern names of the country. An interesting fact is that this phrase appears right at the beginning of the Constitution, emphasizing the continuity of India's identity through history.

The name 'Jambudvīpa' is associated with the jamun tree, a common tree native to India. An interesting fact is that the jamun tree is also known as the Malabar plum tree and has significant cultural and medicinal importance in India.

The Mahābhārata, one of India's most famous texts, lists many regions such as Kāshmīra, Kurukṣhetra, and Vanga. These names correspond to modern-day regions in India, like Kashmir, Haryana, and Bengal. An interesting fact is that the Mahābhārata is a vast epic, considered one of the longest literary works in the world.