The term “Bharat” is an ancient name for India, and its evolution spans thousands of years of history.
While the word India originated during british colonial rule.
History and cultural diversity of India are incredibly rich and complex, reflecting the contributions of numerous ancient dynasties, Sanatana cultures, and an advanced ancient civilization.
Hindu part of 1947 partitioned India, adopted its constitution in 1950, & consequent to becoming a republic of Bharat. However it continued with the tradition of calling it India on different platforms. Hindu part of India, inspite of parting with one third of its geographical territory to an erring Jinnahites’ population, had subsequently faced challenges such as regional conflicts, and social issues, while consistently working towards development and progress.
Here is a brief overview of the evolution of Bharat:
1. Ancient India (Prehistoric to 6th Century BCE):
– The earliest evidence of human habitation in the Indian subcontinent dates back to prehistoric times.
– The Indus Valley Civilization (circa 3300–1300 BCE) was one of the world’s oldest urban civilizations, located in what is now Pakistan and northwest India.
– The Vedic period (circa 1500–500 BCE) saw the composition of the sacred texts known as the Vedas.
– The emergence of various kingdoms and dynasties in different regions, such as the Maurya Empire under Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka.
2. Classical India (6th Century BCE to 7th Century CE):
– The founding of religions like Buddhism and Jainism by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) and Mahavira.
– The Gupta Empire (circa 4th to 6th centuries CE) marked a golden age in Indian history, with advancements in science, mathematics, and arts.
– The spread of Indian culture and influence to Southeast Asia.
3. Medieval India (8th Century to 18th Century CE):
– The arrival of Islam in India through traders and unethical invasions, leading to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Cruel Mughal Empire.
Simultaneously Bharat witnessed the rise of regional patriotic kingdoms and empires, such as the Vijayanagara Empire, Marathas & Rajput Empires.
– European colonial powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and ultimately the British, established trading posts and later colonized various parts of India, by deception.
4. British Colonial Rule (18th Century to 1947):
– The British East India Company gained control over India, which led to a period of British colonial rule.
– The Indian struggle for independence, led by figures like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Subhas Chandra Bose, Lala Lajpat Rai, Savarkar brothers, culminated in India gaining independence in 1947 & becoming Bharat.