India, That is Bharat Class 6 Notes: CBSE Social Science (Exploring Society India and Beyond) Chapter 5

The chapter "India, That is Bharat" delves into the historical origins of India’s name and how it has been referred to over time by ancient texts and foreign civilizations. It highlights both Indian and foreign influences in shaping the identity of India, including references to ancient texts like the Rig Veda and the Mahabharata, as well as names given by Persians, Greeks, and Chinese visitors.

1. How Indians Named India

India has been known by various names throughout its long history. These names reflect different regions, cultures, and historical events.

• The Rig Veda: The Rig Veda, India’s oldest and most sacred text, refers to the northwest region of the Indian Subcontinent as ‘Sapta Sindhava’, meaning ‘land of the seven rivers.’ This name is derived from ‘Sindhu’, which refers to the Indus River or sometimes to rivers in general. This early name gives us insight into how the region was identified thousands of years ago.

• The Mahabharata: In India’s famous epic, the Mahabharata, several regions of the Subcontinent are named, including:

• Kāshmīra (today’s Kashmir),

• Kurukṣhetra (today’s Haryana),

• Vanga (parts of Bengal),

• Prāgjyotiṣha (today’s Assam), and

• Kerala (today’s Kerala).

• These names show the vast cultural and geographical diversity within ancient India.

• Bhāratavarṣha and Jambudvīpa: The Mahabharata also introduces two key terms: ‘Bhāratavarṣha’ and ‘Jambudvīpa’.

• Bhāratavarṣha means ‘the land of the Bharatas’ and refers to the entire Indian Subcontinent. The name 'Bharata' comes from the Rig Veda, where it refers to one of the main Vedic tribes or a great king named Bharata.

• Jambudvīpa means ‘island of the jamun tree.’ The term describes the Indian Subcontinent as a large landmass, surrounded by water, and it was used in historical inscriptions by Indian emperors like Ashoka around 250 BCE.

• The Vishnu Purana: Later, in the Vishnu Purana, India is referred to as ‘Bhārata’. This text famously defines Bhārata as the country lying “north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains”—a clear reference to India’s geographic boundaries between the Himalayas and the Indian Ocean.

2. How Foreigners Named India

Foreign travellers and rulers also referred to India by different names over time. These names are closely tied to India’s history of trade, cultural exchange, and conquests.

• The Persians (6th century BCE): The Persians were among the first foreigners to mention India. They adopted the word ‘Sindhu’ (Indus River) but modified it to ‘Hind,’ ‘Hidu,’ or ‘Hindu’ due to their language differences. These terms were geographical in nature, referring to the land around the Indus River, and did not initially refer to the Hindu religion.

• The Greeks: Following the Persians, the ancient Greeks, led by Alexander the Great in 326 BCE, came into contact with India. The Greeks called the region ‘Indoi’ or ‘Indike’, derived from the Persian 'Hindu.' They dropped the ‘h’ as it did not exist in their language.

• The Chinese: The Chinese had extensive interactions with India, primarily through trade and Buddhism. In their texts, India was referred to as ‘Yintu’ or ‘Yindu’, which also originated from the word ‘Sindhu.’ The Chinese respected India as the birthplace of the Buddha and at times referred to it as ‘Tianzhu,’ a term which could also mean ‘heavenly master.’

• Hindustān: A more recent term, ‘Hindustān,’ became popular around 1,800 years ago, first appearing in Persian inscriptions. It was later used by invaders and foreign rulers to describe the entire Indian Subcontinent.

3. Cultural Significance of India’s Names

• Bhārata and Bharatam: In North India, the name ‘Bhārata’ has been simplified to ‘Bharat’, while in South India, it is commonly written as ‘Bharatam.’ This name has remained in use for thousands of years and continues to represent India’s cultural and historical legacy.

• Connection to Ancient Texts: Names like ‘Bhāratavarṣha’ and ‘Jambudvīpa’ showcase how ancient texts, literature, and religious works have played an essential role in shaping India's identity.

• Geographical Boundaries: These historical names often reflected India's geographical boundaries, stretching from the Himalayas in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south, encompassing vast regions like today’s Bangladesh, Pakistan, and parts of Afghanistan.

4. Timeline of India’s Names

1. Sapta Sindhava (Rig Veda): The land of the seven rivers, referring to the northwest part of the Indian Subcontinent.

2. Bhāratavarṣha (Mahabharata and later texts): The land of the Bharatas, used to refer to the entire Subcontinent.

3. Jambudvīpa (Ashoka's inscriptions): The island of the jamun tree, another name for the Subcontinent.

4. Hind (Persians, 6th century BCE): A geographical term for the land around the Indus River.

5. Indoi/Indike (Greeks): Greek term for India, based on Persian influence.

6. Yindu (Chinese): Derived from Sindhu, used in Chinese texts to refer to India.

7. Hindustān (Persians and invaders): Later Persian term used to describe the entire Subcontinent.

5 Important Topics of Class 6 Social Science Chapter 5 India, That is Bharat

Importance of Revision Notes for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 5 India, That is Bharat

• Vedantu’s revision notes simplify complex historical details about how India got its names from ancient texts like the Rig Veda and Mahabharata, helping students grasp the country’s cultural roots.

• The notes provide a well-organized timeline that traces India’s names from ‘Sapta Sindhava’ to ‘Hindustān,’ helping students connect historical events and the evolution of India’s identity.

• Vedantu’s revision notes focus on the key terms and historical figures, like Ashoka, making it easier for students to recall important facts during exams.

• The notes break down how Persians, Greeks, and Chinese referred to India, helping students understand how external influences shaped the naming of the country.

• The concise and structured format of Vedantu’s notes allows students to revise the chapter effectively, saving time while ensuring all key points are covered.

• Regular review with Vedantu’s revision notes helps students build confidence in understanding the historical significance of India’s names and prepares them thoroughly for exams.

Tips for Learning the Class 6 Social Science Chapter 5 - India, That is Bharat

• Focus on important terms like ‘Sapta Sindhava,’ ‘Bhāratavarṣha,’ and ‘Jambudvīpa.’ The notes clearly explain their significance, making them easy to remember.

• Study the timeline of names from ‘Sapta Sindhava’ to ‘Hindustān.’ Understanding how India’s names evolved over time will help you connect the historical events.

• Pay attention to how Persians, Greeks, and Chinese referred to India. Summarizing their names and reasons for calling the region as such will reinforce your understanding.

• Focus on figures like Ashoka and texts like the Mahabharata and Vishnu Purana, which contributed to the naming of India. This will help you recall key points during exams.

• Use the practice questions provided in Vedantu’s notes to test your understanding of the chapter and identify areas that need more attention.

• Revisit the notes regularly to reinforce what you’ve learned. The more frequently you go over the material, the better prepared you’ll be for exams.

Conclusion

The chapter "India, That is Bharat" explains how India got its names, both from its own people and from foreigners over the centuries. From ‘Sapta Sindhava’ in the Rig Veda to ‘Bhāratavarṣha’ in the Mahabharata and ‘Hindustān’ used by Persian rulers, the chapter shows the history behind these names. Vedantu’s revision notes make it easy to understand these ideas, offering clear timelines, simple explanations, and focus on important terms. These notes help students prepare for exams while also appreciating India’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

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