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THE SAGA OF NAMES: WHY ‘INDIA’ SHOULD RECLAIM ITS TRUE IDENTITY AS ‘BHARAT’

By P Mohan Chandran


“What's in a name?” Shakespeare once pondered. But when it comes to the name of a nation, the stakes are monumental. What does it mean to rename a country? Is it an act of reclaiming identity or a political maneuver? As India stands on the precipice of potentially renaming itself 'Bharat,' let us traverse the labyrinthine corridors of history, mythology, and law to understand why this change is not just necessary but imperative.


I. The Mythological Genesis: The Tale of Shakuntala and Dushyant's Son, Bharat


In the annals of Indian mythology, the name 'Bharat' is not merely a moniker but a legacy. It traces its roots to the legendary king Bharat, the son of Shakuntala and Dushyant. This scion of the Puru dynasty was renowned for his valor, wisdom, and statesmanship. His reign was considered a golden epoch, and it is said that it was after him that the land of the subcontinent was named 'Bharatvarsha.' The name encapsulates the quintessence of a civilization, a culture, and a spiritual ethos. Isn't it time we honor this legacy by officially adopting the name that reflects our true heritage?


II. The Historical Tapestry: From Bharat to Hindustan to India


The term 'Bharat' has been deeply embedded in the Puranic literature and the Mahabharata, describing a land that stretches "from the sea in the south to the abode of snow in the north." However, the name underwent transformations with the Achaemenid Persian conquest, evolving into 'Hindustan,' and later, with Alexander's invasion, metamorphosing into 'India.' Each name carries the weight of its historical context, reflecting the changing political landscapes and cultural amalgamations. But shouldn't we reclaim the name that is most authentic to our roots, rather than one imposed by external forces?


III. The Constitutional Quandary: India, that is Bharat


Article 1 of the Indian Constitution states, "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States." This dual nomenclature was a subject of intense debate during the Constituent Assembly discussions. Members like Hari Vishnu Kamath and Hargovind Pant argued vehemently against the colonial vestige of 'India,' advocating for the indigenous 'Bharat' or 'Bharatvarsha.' Yet, the framers chose to retain both, encapsulating the nation's complex identity within its legal framework. Isn't it time we resolve this constitutional ambiguity and align our legal nomenclature with our cultural identity?


IV. The Contemporary Controversy: A Political or Cultural Reclamation?


The recent speculation about renaming India as 'Bharat' has reignited the debate. Is it an attempt to "get over the colonial past," as some argue, or is it a political gambit? The Supreme Court's dismissal of a PIL to remove 'India' from the Constitution in June 2020 adds another layer to this intricate issue. However, isn't reclaiming our name also a way to reclaim our narrative, to assert our autonomy, and to shed the vestiges of colonialism?


V. The Linguistic Landscape: The Dichotomy of Bharatiya and Indian Institutions


It's worth noting that several Indian institutions like the Reserve Bank of India and Indian Railways already possess Hindi variants with 'Bharatiya' in them. This linguistic duality reflects the nation's struggle with its identity, caught between its indigenous roots and globalized present. Isn't it time we harmonize this linguistic dissonance by embracing the name that truly reflects our essence?


Conclusion: The Name, The Nation, and The Narrative


What does it mean to change the name of a country? Is it a mere semantic shift or a tectonic alteration in the nation's self-perception? As we ponder the potential transition from India to Bharat, we must ask: Are we ready to redefine our identity, or are we merely scratching the surface of a deeper, more complex cultural milieu?


The name 'Bharat' is not just a word; it's a tapestry woven with threads of mythology, history, and law. It's a name that evokes a civilization's past glory, reflects its present complexities, and holds the promise—or perhaps the imperative—of defining its future identity. As we stand at this historical juncture, one question looms large: Are we prepared for the ramifications that come with renaming a nation? And more importantly, can we afford not to?


Do you think India's name should be changed to 'Bharat'?

  • A. Yes, we should reclaim our national & cultural identity

  • B. No, changing the name will not change anything.


© 2023. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.

05092023

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