Page 1
India, That Is
Bharath
Explore the rich cultural heritage and diversity of India, the land of
Bharath. Discover the remarkable history, vibrant traditions, and
captivating landscapes that make this country truly unique.
Page 2
India, That Is
Bharath
Explore the rich cultural heritage and diversity of India, the land of
Bharath. Discover the remarkable history, vibrant traditions, and
captivating landscapes that make this country truly unique.
Introduction to India's
Past
India, as we know it today, is a modern country with clear borders,
different states, and a large population. However, the land we now call
India was known by different names and had changing boundaries
throughout history.
This region, often called the 'Indian Subcontinent,' has a rich history that
can be learned from various sources, such as ancient texts, stories written
by travelers, and old inscriptions carved in stone.
Changing Over Time
India's identity has evolved significantly over the past 500, 2,000, and even
5,000 years, reflecting its dynamic history.
Historical Sources
By exploring ancient literature, inscriptions, and accounts of visitors, we
can uncover the fascinating journey of India through time.
Shifting Boundaries
The boundaries and names of the region now known as India have
changed dramatically over the centuries.
Page 3
India, That Is
Bharath
Explore the rich cultural heritage and diversity of India, the land of
Bharath. Discover the remarkable history, vibrant traditions, and
captivating landscapes that make this country truly unique.
Introduction to India's
Past
India, as we know it today, is a modern country with clear borders,
different states, and a large population. However, the land we now call
India was known by different names and had changing boundaries
throughout history.
This region, often called the 'Indian Subcontinent,' has a rich history that
can be learned from various sources, such as ancient texts, stories written
by travelers, and old inscriptions carved in stone.
Changing Over Time
India's identity has evolved significantly over the past 500, 2,000, and even
5,000 years, reflecting its dynamic history.
Historical Sources
By exploring ancient literature, inscriptions, and accounts of visitors, we
can uncover the fascinating journey of India through time.
Shifting Boundaries
The boundaries and names of the region now known as India have
changed dramatically over the centuries.
How Indians
Named India
India has had many names throughout history, each reflecting the
perspectives and influences of different cultures. Let's explore how
Indians themselves have referred to their land over the centuries.
Page 4
India, That Is
Bharath
Explore the rich cultural heritage and diversity of India, the land of
Bharath. Discover the remarkable history, vibrant traditions, and
captivating landscapes that make this country truly unique.
Introduction to India's
Past
India, as we know it today, is a modern country with clear borders,
different states, and a large population. However, the land we now call
India was known by different names and had changing boundaries
throughout history.
This region, often called the 'Indian Subcontinent,' has a rich history that
can be learned from various sources, such as ancient texts, stories written
by travelers, and old inscriptions carved in stone.
Changing Over Time
India's identity has evolved significantly over the past 500, 2,000, and even
5,000 years, reflecting its dynamic history.
Historical Sources
By exploring ancient literature, inscriptions, and accounts of visitors, we
can uncover the fascinating journey of India through time.
Shifting Boundaries
The boundaries and names of the region now known as India have
changed dramatically over the centuries.
How Indians
Named India
India has had many names throughout history, each reflecting the
perspectives and influences of different cultures. Let's explore how
Indians themselves have referred to their land over the centuries.
The Rig Veda and
'Sapta Sindhava'
Oldest Indian T ext
The Rig Veda is India's oldest and most revered sacred text, written
several thousand years ago.
'Sapta Sindhava'
In the Rig Veda, the northwest region of the Indian Subcontinent is
referred to as 'Sapta Sindhava,' meaning the 'land of the seven rivers'.
Etymology of 'Sindhu'
The word 'Sindhava' is derived from 'Sindhu,' a term used for the
Indus River or sometimes for rivers in general.
Page 5
India, That Is
Bharath
Explore the rich cultural heritage and diversity of India, the land of
Bharath. Discover the remarkable history, vibrant traditions, and
captivating landscapes that make this country truly unique.
Introduction to India's
Past
India, as we know it today, is a modern country with clear borders,
different states, and a large population. However, the land we now call
India was known by different names and had changing boundaries
throughout history.
This region, often called the 'Indian Subcontinent,' has a rich history that
can be learned from various sources, such as ancient texts, stories written
by travelers, and old inscriptions carved in stone.
Changing Over Time
India's identity has evolved significantly over the past 500, 2,000, and even
5,000 years, reflecting its dynamic history.
Historical Sources
By exploring ancient literature, inscriptions, and accounts of visitors, we
can uncover the fascinating journey of India through time.
Shifting Boundaries
The boundaries and names of the region now known as India have
changed dramatically over the centuries.
How Indians
Named India
India has had many names throughout history, each reflecting the
perspectives and influences of different cultures. Let's explore how
Indians themselves have referred to their land over the centuries.
The Rig Veda and
'Sapta Sindhava'
Oldest Indian T ext
The Rig Veda is India's oldest and most revered sacred text, written
several thousand years ago.
'Sapta Sindhava'
In the Rig Veda, the northwest region of the Indian Subcontinent is
referred to as 'Sapta Sindhava,' meaning the 'land of the seven rivers'.
Etymology of 'Sindhu'
The word 'Sindhava' is derived from 'Sindhu,' a term used for the
Indus River or sometimes for rivers in general.
Names in Ancient Literature
Familiar
Regions
The epic Mahabharata
mentions several regions
that are familiar to us
today, such as Käshmira
(Kashmir), Kurukshetra
(Haryana), and Kerala.
Bengal and
Assam
The text also refers to
Vanga (parts of Bengal)
and Prägjyotisha
(roughly today's Assam).
The Kutch
Region
Kaccha in the
Mahabharata
corresponds to the
present-day Kutch region
of Gujarat.
Diverse
Nomenclature
These ancient literary
references demonstrate
the diverse
nomenclature used to
describe different parts
of the Indian
subcontinent over time.
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