India Was Once Called Bharatvarsha. Here's What 'Varsha' Actually Means
Bharatvarsha, India's ancient name, reflects deep cultural, mythological and historical roots. Recognised in the Indian Constitution, it signifies more than just geography
What's in a name? When it comes to India, quite a lot. Long before the subcontinent came to be known as India, it was called Bharatvarsha, a name steeped in ancient history, mythology, and cultural identity. Far more than a geographical label, Bharatvarsha reflects the spiritual and civilisational ethos of a land that has endured for millennia. Exploring the evolution of India's name uncovers the story of a nation deeply rooted in its past yet ever-evolving in the present.
Historical Significance Of The Name 'Bharatvarsha'
When Alexander the Great journeyed to the Indian subcontinent, he referred to it as 'Indica'. During their rule, the British named it India, while visitors from Persia and the Mughal Empire used the term 'Hindustan'. In modern usage, the country is commonly known as India, though the name Bharatvarsha continues to be used in more formal, literary, and historical contexts.
Have you ever wondered why the term 'Varsha' is used in Bharatvarsha? Following independence, the Constitution of India, enacted in 1950, officially recognised both Bharat and India as the names of the nation. Article 1 of the Constitution clearly states: 'India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States." As a result, Bharat was formally adopted as a recognised name, while the use of Bharatvarsha became more limited to traditional and scholarly references. Importantly, Bharatvarsha encompasses not only the geographical identity of the nation but also its rich cultural, historical, and religious legacy, reflecting the profound roots of Indian civilisation.
What Does 'Varsha' In 'Bharatvarsha' Signify?
In Jain tradition, Bharat refers to the son of the first Tirthankara, Rishabhnath. Jain texts such as the Adipurana narrate how Rishabhnath made his son Bharata the sovereign of this land, which subsequently took his name as Bharatvarsha.
Concept Of 'Jambudweep' In Ancient Indian Geography
In Sanskrit, the word Varsha denotes a division or region. In ancient Indian cosmology, the Earth was conceived as being divided into several regions, known as Varshas, one of which formed part of Jambudweep, the terrestrial realm described in ancient scriptures.
Jambudweep was segmented into nine regions or Varshas, and Bharatvarsha was one among them. Thus, Bharatvarsha refers not only to a geographical territory but also to a space imbued with cultural and spiritual meaning.
Sacred texts such as the Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata Purana identify Bharatvarsha as the southern portion of Jambudweep, describing it as a region sanctified by spiritual merit and moral duty.
Scriptural References To 'Bharatvarsha'
Indian scriptures hold Bharatvarsha in high esteem, often portraying it as a sacred land. The Vishnu Purana refers to it as Karmabhoomi, a land where individuals may attain salvation through righteous deeds. It was not only geographically significant but also a centre of learning, philosophy, religion, and civilisation.
The Mahabharata describes Bharatvarsha as an expansive and unified land stretching from the Himalayas in the north to the southern seas. The Puranas list Bharatvarsha among the nine divisions of Jambudweep, detailing its sacred rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna, and revered mountain ranges like the Himalayas and Vindhyas. In the Manusmriti, the region is also called Aryavarta, denoting a civilisation shaped by knowledge, discipline, and spiritual pursuits.
Geographical Extent Of 'Bharatvarsha'
According to ancient texts, the boundaries of Bharatvarsha spanned from the Himalayan mountains to the southern seas, and from the Bay of Bengal in the east to the Arabian Sea in the west. Over time, the name Bharatvarsha was gradually shortened to Bharat.
India's long and diverse history is marked by various dynasties, empires, and periods of foreign rule, each influencing the nomenclature of the region. During the reigns of the Mauryas, Guptas, medieval Rajputs, Mughals, and eventually the British, the land was known by various names. The British popularised the name India, which was derived from the Greek and Latin word 'Indus' (used for the river Sindhu).
However, during the Indian independence movement, national leaders and scholars revived the use of Bharat to reassert the country's deep-rooted cultural and historical identity.
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Akhand Bharat Ancient India General Knowledge Indian Constitution indian culture Interesting facts Mahabharata vishnu puran
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New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
June 11, 2025, 13:12 IST
News explainers India Was Once Called Bharatvarsha. Here's What 'Varsha' Actually Means
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