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 letter 'h' because it did not exist in their language.

Understanding the Ancient Greek Name for India
The ancient Greeks referred to the region of India using the term "Indo," derived from the Sanskrit word "Sindhu," which means "river." This term was adapted by the Greeks to describe the vast lands beyond the Indus River.
Origins of the Name
- The name "Indo" originates from the river Sindhu, which was significant in ancient Indian geography.
- The Greeks, upon encountering this river, began to refer to the entire region as "Indos."
Geographical Significance
- The Indus River was a major geographical landmark that defined the boundaries of ancient Indian civilization.
- The Greeks linked the name "Indo" to the broader cultural and geographical context of the Indian subcontinent.
Historical Context
- Alexander the Great's campaigns in the 4th century BCE brought Greek knowledge and terminology into closer contact with Indian lands.
- Greek historians and geographers, such as Herodotus and Megasthenes, documented their observations and referred to the region as "India," derived from "Indos."
Conclusion
- The term "Indo" highlights the historical and cultural connections between ancient Greece and the Indian subcontinent.
- While "Bhāratavarṣha" is also a name used in ancient texts to describe India, "Indo" remains significant as it reflects the Greek perspective of the region.
This understanding helps in recognizing how ancient civilizations interacted and named the lands they encountered.