India, Bharat and a host of Implications

Context:

The G-20 invitation cards sent by the President’s office featured “Bharat” instead of “India.”

• Furthermore, during Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Indonesia, all official documents prominently displayed the term “Bharat” instead of “India.” 

Historical Perspective: Origin of the Terms

• Bharat:
  • Origin: The roots of “Bharat”, “Bharata”, or “Bharatvarsha” are traced back to Puranic literature, and to the epic Mahabharata. 
  • Puranas: It describes Bharata as the land between the “sea in the south and the abode of snow in the north”.
  • Bharata is also the name of the ancient king of legend who was the ancestor of the Rig Vedic tribe of the Bharatas.
• Origin of name ‘Hindustan’:
  • The term “Hindu” comes from the Persian word linked to the Sanskrit term “Sindhu,” which means the Indus River.
  • Around the first century AD, the suffix “stan” was added to form “Hindustan.”
• Origin of name ‘India’: When Alexander the Great invaded India in the 3rd century BC, ‘India’ referred to the area beyond the Indus River.

The Rise of National Consciousness:

• Indian Renaissance: The concept of a unified Indian nation emerged during the Indian Renaissance.
• Diverse Perspective: Some sought ancient roots for Indian nationalism and found the term “Bharat” more appropriate.
  • Others, like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, favoured the syncretic term “Hind.” “Jai Hind” remains an emotive expression used even today.

Controversy Over the Name ‘India’ in 1947:

• Indian Independence Act: Power transfer in 1947 was via the Indian Independence Act, creating India and Pakistan.
• Name Debate: The Muslim League proposed Hindustan or Bharat for India’s name, but India argued as the legal successor to British India.
• Decision for ‘India’: India retained ‘India’ internationally, while Pakistan had to establish its international status.
• Continued Usage: ‘India’ is consistently used in international forums, including joint statements and official documents.

Constituent Assembly Debates on Name and Territory:

• On September 17, 1949, the Constituent Assembly discussed the “Name and territory of the Union.”
• Division Among Members: During the debate, leaders like Hari Vishnu Kamath, Seth Govind Das, and Hargovind Pant proposed the first article to read as “Bharat, or in the English language, India, shall be and such.”
• Reminder of Colonial Rule: Hargovind Pant advocated for “Bharatvarsha” as the preferred name, citing that “India” had negative connotations due to its imposition by foreign rulers during colonial rule.
• Outcome: The outcome of these debates is reflected in Article 1 of the Constitution of India, which states: “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.”

Under the 58th Amendment 1987:

• Empowering the President: The 58th Amendment empowered the President to publish, under his authority, the authoritative text of the Constitution “in the Hindi language.” This authoritative Hindi text could be utilized in legal processes and official matters.
• Authoritative Hindi Text: Following the amendment, the government published the Hindi text of the Constitution, which now holds the status of being the authoritative version for legal and official purposes.

Conclusion

The use of “Bharat” and “India” is deeply rooted in history, constitution, and language. While there may be a preference for “Bharat” by some, maintaining the existing practice of using “India” in English and “Bharat” in Hindi seems constitutionally appropriate, financially prudent, and avoids potential alienation. 

News Source: The Hindu

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