The Evolution of the Name: From Anjanabha to India
The article highlights a chronological shift in how the land was identified:
- Anjanabha-varsha: According to the Srimad Bhagavatam (5:7:3), this was the earliest recorded name. It is associated with King Nabhi (the grandfather of the first Bharatha).
- Bharatha-varsha: The name shifted to “Bharatha” to honor a Chakravarti (universal monarch) whose rule was so exemplary that the land itself became synonymous with his name.
- Hindustan: This is a socio-linguistic evolution. The Persians, unable to easily pronounce the “S” in Sindhu (the Indus River), referred to the land beyond it as Hindu. Eventually, “Hindustan” became the “Land of the Hindus.”
- India: A Western adaptation. The Greeks transformed “Hindu” into Indos, which the Romans later Latinized to India.
Which “Bharatha” is it?
The core of the article’s “introductory series” is to clear up common confusion. In Vedic tradition, there isn’t just one Bharatha, but three distinct pillars of culture and history:
King Bharatha (The Spiritual Monarch)
Puranas identifies him as the son of Lord Rishabhadeva. In the Puranas, he was a king who abdicated his throne to seek enlightenment. His story is famous for his attachment to a deer, which led to his rebirth, eventually becoming the self-realized sage Jada Bharatha. This is the figure traditionally credited with giving the country its name in the Bhagavata Purana.
King Bharatha (The Warrior Hero)
This is the son of King Dushyantha and Shakuntala. His story is immortalized in the Mahabharata and Kalidasa’s Abhijnanashakuntalam. He is the ancestor of the Pandavas and Kauravas. Many popular traditions also attribute the name “Bharat” to his legendary valor and his unification of the subcontinent.
Sage Bharatha (The Father of Arts)
This Bharatha is not a king, but the legendary author of the Natya Shastra, the foundational text of Indian performing arts (dance, drama, and music). He is the reason “Bharatanatyam” carries the name Bharatha.
The Objective: Reconnecting with Tradition
Through this article, we aim to:
- Move beyond the superficial understanding of India’s name.
- Encourage the study of Itihasa (History) and Puranas (Ancient Lore).
- Inspire readers to adopt the “good practices” (Dharma) exemplified by these figures.
In the next article, we will discuss the first Bharatha i.e., King Bharatha (The Spiritual Monarch).
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe