10 Historical Names Of India: A Journey Through Time

Samridhi Garg

Bharat

Derived from ancient texts, "Bharat" is one of the oldest names for India, mentioned in the Rigveda and Mahabharata, symbolizing the land of King Bharata.

Hindustan

A Persian term meaning "land of the Hindus," Hindustan was widely used during the Mughal and colonial periods to refer to northern India.

Jambudvipa

In ancient Indian cosmology, "Jambudvipa" referred to the entire Indian subcontinent, named after the Jambu tree.

Aryavarta

Meaning "land of the Aryans," Aryavarta was used in ancient texts to describe the northern part of India where the Vedic culture thrived.

Al-Hind

Arabic and Persian traders referred to India as "Al-Hind," derived from the river Sindhu (Indus), which was a prominent geographical marker.

Sone Ki Chidiya

Translated as "Golden Bird," this name highlights India's ancient wealth and prosperity, often mentioned in historical and literary works.

Tianzhu

Used by ancient Chinese travelers and scholars, "Tianzhu" was derived from the Sanskrit word "Sindhu" and referred to India.

Indika

Greek historians like Megasthenes used the term "Indika" to describe the region of India in their writings, derived from the Indus River.

Hodu

In Hebrew texts, "Hodu" referred to India, specifically mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Esther as a distant land.

Sapta Sindhu

Meaning "Land of the Seven Rivers," Sapta Sindhu was used in Vedic texts to describe the region of the Indus Valley, known for its rich and fertile land.