INDIA THAT IS BHARAT

1. Context

There is speculation of an official change in the name of the country from India to Bharat, even though Article 1 of the Constitution uses the two names interchangeably: “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.”

2. Origin of the Name 'Bharat'

Puranic and Mahabharata Roots: The name 'Bharat,' 'Bharata,' or 'Bharatvarsha' finds its origins in Puranic literature and the epic Mahabharata.
Geographical Description: Puranas describe Bharata as the land located between the southern sea and the northern abode of snow.
Religious and Socio-Cultural Entity: Social scientist Catherine Clémentin-Ojha interprets 'Bharata' as a religious and socio-cultural concept rather than a purely political or geographical one.
Bharata in Rig Vedic Legend: 'Bharata' was the name of an ancient legendary king, ancestor of the Rig Vedic Bharatas tribe, and seen as the forefather of all subcontinent peoples.
Unity of India: Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1927, referred to the "fundamental unity of India" rooted in a common faith and culture, highlighting the significance of India being referred to as 'Bharata' in Hindu pilgrimage sites across the country.

3. Origin of the Names 'Hindustan' and 'India'

Hindustan's Etymology: 'Hindustan' is believed to have originated from 'Hindu,' the Persian form of 'Sindhu' (Indus) in Sanskrit. It gained prominence during the Achaemenid Persian conquest of the Indus Valley in the 6th century BC.
Use of 'Stan' Suffix: The term 'Hindustan' started incorporating the suffix "stan" around the 1st century AD.
Greek Influence: The Greeks, informed by the Achaemenids, transliterated the name as 'Indus.' Alexander the Great's invasion of India in the 3rd century BC associated 'India' with the region beyond the Indus.
Mughal Era: In the 16th century, during the early Mughal period, 'Hindustan' described the entire Indo-Gangetic plain.
Transition to 'India': By the 18th century, British maps started using the name 'India,' distancing 'Hindustan' from South Asia. The term 'India' had European historical and bureaucratic connotations and was associated with the British colonial administration.
Colonial Significance: The adoption of 'India' reflected colonial nomenclature changes and contributed to the perception of the subcontinent as a single, bounded British political territory.

4. Inclusion of 'Bharat' and 'India' in the Constitution

Nehru's References: In Nehru's book 'Discovery of India,' he mentioned "India," "Bharata," and "Hindustan" in connection with the nation's identity.
Constitutional Debate (1949): The Constituent Assembly discussed the "Name and territory of the Union" on September 17, 1949. The first article proposed was "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States."
Division Among Members: Differences emerged among assembly members regarding the inclusion of the name 'India,' seen by some as a reminder of colonialism.
Various Proposals: Several suggestions were made, such as "Bharat, or in the English language, India," and "Bharat known as India also in foreign countries." Hargovind Pant emphasized the preference for 'Bharatvarsha.'
Critique of 'India': Hargovind Pant criticized the attachment to 'India,' citing its colonial origin and the historical exploitation of the country's wealth.
Committee Decision: None of the proposed suggestions were accepted, but they reflected contrasting visions for the emerging nation. The final Constitution retained both 'Bharat' and 'India.'

5. Debate on Article 1: Name Selection (1948-1949)

The first debate on Article 1 was to begin on November 17, 1948. However, on the suggestion of Govind Ballabh Pant, the discussion on the name was postponed to a later date.
“India, that is, Bharat, shall be a Union of States.” From whether two commas were necessary to the order of the words to the name of the newly independent nation itself, what would become Article 1 of the Constitution of India was passionately debated in the Constituent Assembly.

Postponed Debate: Initially scheduled for November 17, 1948, the discussion on Article 1's name was delayed on the suggestion of Govind Ballabh Pant.
Final Version by Dr. B R Ambedkar: On September 17, 1949, Dr. B R Ambedkar presented the final provision, which included both 'Bharat' and 'India.'
Resistance to 'India': Some members opposed the use of 'India,' considering it a reminder of colonialism.
Preference for 'Bharat': Seth Govind Das and others favored placing 'Bharat' before 'India.'
Demand for Clarification: Members wanted to emphasize that 'India' was an English language substitute for 'Bharat' in foreign countries.
Comparisons to the Irish Constitution: Hari Vishnu Kamath cited the Irish Constitution as an example of a country changing its name upon achieving freedom.
Attachment to 'Bharatvarsha': Hargovind Pant, representing Northern India, stated that the people there strongly preferred 'Bharatvarsha' over 'India.'
Critique of 'India': Hargovind Pant criticized 'India' as a name imposed by foreign rulers and suggested it should not be retained due to its insulting connotations.

6. Ancient References in the Debate

Vishnu Purana and Brahma Purana: Das argued that the Vishnu Purana and Brahma Purana mentioned the name 'Bharat' for the country.
Hiuen Tsang's Mention: Some members pointed out that the seventh-century Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang referred to the country as 'Bharat.'
Name's Cultural Significance: Das emphasized that naming the country 'Bharat' would be in line with its history and culture, and it wouldn't hinder progress.
Debunking 'India' Origin: Das mentioned a pamphlet attempting to prove that "India" is more ancient than "Bharat" and refuted it, highlighting the incorrect interpretation of "Idyam" and "Ide."
Suggested Names: Kamath suggested possible names like 'Bharat,' 'Bharatvarsha,' or 'Bharatbhumi' derived from scriptures.
Diverse Theories on 'Bharat' Origin: Kamath mentioned that historians and philologists have various theories about the origin of the name 'Bharat,' including its association with the legendary figure "Sarvadamana," who established his rule in the land.

7. What does the Constitution of India say?
The Constitution of India under Article 1 states that,

India, that is Bharat shall be a Union of States
The States and Union Territories thereof shall be specified in the 1st Schedule
The territory of India shall comprise of Territory of States, Union Territories specified in the First Schedule, and Other territories as may be acquired.

Article 1 of the Constitution of India is an essential statement specifying what our country be called and what will comprise the sovereign territory of our nation. It acknowledges that India is a ‘Union of States’ and not a Federation of States where states and central government will work together to ensure the common good of the nation.

The name of the Indian country was changed from "India" to "Bharat" in the Indian Constitution by the Constitution (Seventy-First Amendment) Act, 1992. This amendment came into effect on September 18, 1992. It added Article 1(A) to the Indian Constitution, which officially recognizes "Bharat" as an alternative name for India in Hindi. The English name "India" remains unchanged. This amendment was made to reflect the historical and cultural significance of the name "Bharat" and to promote the use of Hindi as the official language of India.

For Prelims: Article 1 of the constitution, Vishnu Purana, Brahma Purana, Irish Constitution and Bharatvarsha.

For Mains: 1. Discuss the historical debates and considerations surrounding the choice of names 'Bharat' and 'India' in Article 1 of the Indian Constitution, taking into account the cultural, Linguistic, and political perspectives that shaped this crucial constitutional provision."(250 words).

Source: The Indian Express

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