What was the Indian Subcontinent known by 5,000 years ago?

The Indian Subcontinent was known by different names and had changing boundaries.

Fill in the blank: The history of India can be learned from various sources, including ancient texts, stories written by travelers, and ___ carved in stone.

Old inscriptions

Riddle: I tell stories of ancient times and can be found etched in stone. What am I?

Inscriptions

What role did travelers and pilgrims play in understanding India's historical names?

Travelers and pilgrims documented their experiences and observations, providing insights into the various names and nature of India over time.

Fill in the blank: The region that includes modern-day India is often referred to as the ___ Subcontinent.

Indian

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a source for learning about India's past? A) Ancient texts B) Modern novels C) Travelers' accounts D) Inscriptions

B) Modern novels

What can we infer about India's historical journey from the changing names and boundaries?

The changing names and boundaries reflect the diverse cultures, influences, and historical events that have shaped India over millennia.

The term 'Sapta Sindhava' refers to ___ and means ___ in ancient texts.

'Sapta Sindhava' refers to the northwest region of the Indian Subcontinent and means 'the land of the seven rivers.'

In which ancient text is the term 'Bhäratavarsha' mentioned, and what does it signify?

'Bhäratavarsha' is mentioned in the Mahabharata and signifies 'the country of the Bharatas,' referring to the entire Indian Subcontinent.

True or False: The name 'Jambudvipa' means 'the island of the jamun tree fruit.'

True.

What evidence exists to show that the term 'Jambudvipa' was used to describe India during Emperor Ashoka's reign?

Emperor Ashoka used the term 'Jambudvipa' in his inscriptions around 250 BCE to describe the whole of India, which included areas now known as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and parts of Afghanistan.

Riddle: I am an ancient name that signifies a country and is still used today in various forms. What am I?

'Bhärata,' which became the widely used name for the Indian Subcontinent.

Which regions are referred to in ancient texts such as the Mahabharata, and provide an example of one such region.

The Mahabharata lists many regions, including 'Käshmira,' which refers to what is now Kashmir.

True or False: The name 'Bharat' is used exclusively in South India.

False. 'Bharat' is generally written in North India, while in South India, it is often written as 'Bharatam.'

The phrase 'India, that is Bharat' reflects the dual identity of the country as both ___ and ___.

India and Bharat

Fill in the blank: The ancient Chinese referred to India as '___' or '___'.

Yintu and Yindu

How did the Persians adapt the name of the region originally called 'Sindhu'?

They referred to it as 'Hind,' 'Hidu,' or 'Hindu.'

Fill in the blank: The Persians were the first foreigners to mention India in the ___ century BCE.

6th