- K.S. RADHAKRISHNAN
Introduction:
In this discourse, we delve into the historical underpinnings of India's nomenclature shift, exploring the profound significance of 'Bharat' in shaping the identity of the Indian subcontinent. The decision to potentially rename India as Bharat has ignited a spirited discourse about identity, history, and culture. This proposed alteration transcends a mere linguistic shift; it holds profound implications for the nation's collective consciousness. During his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the imperative to liberate the nation from a subservient mindset, highlighting the need to discard colonial vestiges. What may elude many is that 'Bharat' is the ancient nomenclature for India, rooted in Sanskrit antiquity, symbolizing a cultural continuum and national identity antedating the colonial era. The transition from 'Bharat' to 'India' marks a profound journey of cultural, political, and linguistic evolution.
Historical Origins:
Both “India” and “Bharat” possess deep historical roots in the nation’s annals. The term “India” finds its genesis in the Indus Valley Civilization, a sophisticated society dating back to 3300 BCE. Conversely, "Bharat" finds its roots in the legendary king, Bharata, a forefather of the esteemed KuruDynasty, from whom the name is believed to have emanated. His reign epitomized prosperity, unity, and a fervent adherence to dharma (righteousness).
The characterization of India as the "land of the Hindus" had not solely a religious connotation; it was also linked to the mighty river Indus. The term 'India' shares a similar origin story. As per research from the Pune-based BhandarkarOriental Institute, the earliest documented mention of the term 'Bharat' can be traced back to the Rig Veda and the pivotal Dasarajna war, in which Sudas of the Bharata clan emerged victorious. The legitimacy of 'Bharat' as a descriptor is widely acknowledged, and its adoption might very well become customary in official protocols and foreign affairs communications.
Colonial Influence:
In the epoch of Mughal dominion, 'Hindustan' was commonly employed to denote the Indian subcontinent. Nevertheless, with the advent of British colonization, 'India' gained ascendancy due to its derivation from the River Indus, a pivotal geographical feature of the region. The linguistic and administrative sway of the British gradually propelled the widespread adoption of 'India' in official documentation and international discourse, albeit never entirely erasing 'Bharat' from the collective memory of the Indian populace.
The Significance of the Name Change:
The contemplation of renaming “India” to “Bharat” transcends a mere semantic alteration. For many, it embodies a profound immersion into India's opulent cultural and historical essence. Advocates contend that this change could galvanize national unity, fostering a renewed sense of pride in India's rich heritage. It emphasizes the diversity that characterizes India, unifying under a shared, indigenous term.“Bharat” harmonizes more intimately with Hindi, the national language of India, projecting a more authentic representation of the nation’s diverse culture. Advocates posit that this renaming could potentially galvanize national unity and rekindle pride in Indian heritage.
Constitutional Amendment and Official Recognition:
In 2016, an appeal was presented in the Supreme Court of India to amend Article 1 of the Indian Constitution, officially acknowledging 'Bharat' alongside 'India'. The plea contended that employing 'Bharat' would evoke a sense of pride in the nation's culturally rich heritage. Although the plea was not granted, it ignited a nationwide discourse on the relevance of 'Bharat' in contemporary times. Advocates argue that using a term from vernacular languages preserves linguistic diversity and bolsters the cultural tapestry of the nation.
The name 'Bharat' encapsulates a profound affinity for the land, culture, and traditions of the Indian subcontinent. It serves as a poignant reminder of the age-old wisdom and philosophies that have sculpted the nation over millennia. By embracing 'Bharat' as a concurrent identity, India pays homage to its roots and exalts the diversity that defines its character.
The Constituent Assembly, convened in 1946, engaged in extensive discussions regarding the country's nomenclature. The majority advocated for the original name, Bharat.
The majority was in favour of calling the country its original name, Bharat.
➢ H V Kamath in his interventions used the name Bharatvarsha. He said in the course of the debates: "It is well known that when these outrages were committed in East Bengal ............ I expected that at least after the division of India into Pakistan and India or Bharatvarshaon a communal basis the hatchet had been buried fathoms deep........."
➢ In another intervention, Professor Shibban Lal Saksenasaid: "t cow slaughter should be prohibited in Bharatvarsh by law."
➢ In another debate, Kamath recalled the favourite song of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The first line, recited by Kamath was as follows:
Subh sukh chain ki barsha, barse Bharat bhag hai jaga
➢ R V Dhulekar in the course of a debate reminded everyone that in Bharatvarsha the cow was held sacred and not eaten.
➢ Ananthaswamy Aiyyangar pleaded that the name of the country in Article 1 should be Bharat, Bharatvarsha andHindustan as alternatives to India.
➢ Loknath Misra argued that the name be changed to Bharatvarsha
➢ Shibban Lal Saksena proposed that the name of the Union of States should be just Bharat; the national flag and other symbols should be of Bharat and not of India. He also proposed that the national anthem should be Vande Mataram.
➢ Seth Govind Das asserted that he was all for calling the country by the name Bharat but he was willing to listen to concede to Mr. Nehru because Nehru was quite touchy when he did not have his way.
➢ Dr. Ambedkar agreed that there was a long historical tradition which alluded to the entire land by the name 'Bharat'. But he also said that there was no reason to go so much into history to justify the name since the name Bharat was quite commonly used by people. Dr. Ambedkar suggested that a way out could be to have the phrase 'India that is Bharat' in the Constitution.
• The Highest Civilian Award of the Nation is titled as “Bharat Ratna” which is awarded in recognition of exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour.
•The National Anthem has a verse “Bharat BhagyaVidhata”, where again we find the mention of Bharat.
• The ancient Sangam Tamil literature has also mentioned the term Bharat in its verses. The Sangam literature historically is known as 'the poetry of the noble ones that connotes the ancient Tamil literature and is the earliest known literature of South India.
The Modi government's recent decision to extend invitations to G20 summit delegates in the name of “President of Bharat” and “Prime Minister of Bharat” underscores a deliberate choice. While not negating 'India', the emphasis on 'Bharat' aligns with the BJP's de-colonisation endeavour, seeking to reassert India’s Hindu heritage and sever ties with a colonial past.
The evolution of names is a global phenomenon, with 195 countries undergoing such changes. For instance, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan proposed the term “Türkiye” for universal use. Such shifts aim for a representation more aligned with a nation's identity. Similarly, the Netherlands rebranded itself in 2020 for a more inclusive and modern image, opting for the name 'Netherlands' over 'Holland'.
Should "Bharat" assume a more prominent role in official parlance, it would signify a significant shift in India's self-perception and international representation. This change would resonate not only with a deep-rooted historical narrative but also evoke a sense of pride in the nation's rich heritage. Ultimately, it exemplifies the dynamic interplay between history, identity, and nomenclature, encapsulating India's ongoing journey of self-definition in a global context.
The potential change from 'India' to 'Bharat' is not merely a linguistic transformation; it is a profound reconnection with a storied past. It is an assertion of cultural continuity, an affirmation of national pride, and a repudiation of colonial vestiges. Ultimately, any decision regarding this change must weigh historical, cultural, and societal factors, taking into account the sentiments of India's diverse population. It is a reflection of a nation's ongoing journey to define its identity and heritage in the contemporary global landscape.
- K.S. Radhakrishnan,
Political Activist,
Advocate.
Narendra Modi
Amit Shah and Modi Jodi
Nirmala Sitharaman
#ksrpost
16-9-2023.
No comments:
Post a Comment