Significance of Bharata
Bharata, as described in various texts, represents a multifaceted concept rooted in ancient Indian culture. In Jainism, Bharata refers to geographical and cultural regions of significance, the ruler of Bharatakshetra, and divine legacies intertwined with figures like Krishna and Rama. In Vaishnavism, it highlights a key character known for his loyalty, while in Natyashastra, Bharata denotes the foundational author of dramatic rules. Thus, Bharata encapsulates both a geographical entity and a symbolic representation of moral virtue, heroism, and artistic expression in Indian heritage.
Synonyms: India, Bharat, Hindustan, Indian subcontinent, Republic of india
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Bharata'
Bharata in Hinduism signifies various interpretations, including a prominent landmass, a key author of the Natyashastra, references to the epic lineage of Pandavas, and an essential figure in royal and cultural narratives, embodying India's spiritual, moral, and dramatic traditions.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The holy composition encompassing the narratives and teachings of the Mahabharata.[1] (2) Sacred texts that are recited during Sraddhas to invoke blessings and ensure the efficacy of the offerings made.[2] (3) An address used to refer to the Kuru kings or the people of India.[3] (4) A name referring to the descendants of Pandu, likely aimed at an audience aware of their lineage.[4] (5) A reference to the ancient Indian dynasty or lineage that the characters belong to, often signifying unity and historical significance.[5]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Rama's elder brother who expresses admiration for Rama's reign.[6] (2) The brother of Rama and Lakshmana, referenced as being governed by his mother, Kaikeyi, who may not protect the queens in her favor.[7] (3) The younger brother of Prince Rama, who is expected to take the throne at the request of Queen Kaikeyi.[8] (4) The prince coming with an army, portrayed as a threat to Rama and Lakshmana, whom they believe wants to reclaim rulership.[9] (5) The son of King Dasaratha and Queen Kaikeyi, who is mentioned in the context of inheriting the kingdom.[10]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) An excellent portion of the earth that Narada and Parvata visit during their travels, recognized for its significance.[11] (2) Referring to India, signifying a holy land where actions have pronounced spiritual ramifications.[12] (3) The sacred land where Tulasi performed her tapasya to attain Narayana.[13] (4) A reference to India as a spiritual land, where moral and ethical transgressions are judged.[14] (5) The name of a prominent region or land where divine entities are believed to undergo trials or purifications.[15]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The name of the country that was established as a result of the descendants of Bharata, signifying its development.[16] (2) An important royal figure born in the lineage, referred to as the ancestor of the Pandavas and Kauravas.[17] (3) A country referenced in the discussion of the place in drama.[18] (4) The first mountain mentioned, which has significant geographical importance in relation to the other mountains.[19] (5) Rama’s younger brother who is promised the kingdom instead of Rama due to Kaikeyi's deception.[20]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) The successors of Bharata, from whom the country was named Bharatavarsha.[21] (2) The world conqueror and universal Emperor, son of Dushyanta.[22] (3) A term in the Matsyapurana that describes India and its geographical features as part of world geography.[23] (4) Bharata is considered the most ancient rhetorician in Sanskrit poetics known for defining figure of speech as an ornament that embellishes poetic pieces.[24] (5) The name used for one of the Varshas in the geography of Jambudvipa, associated with the Haimavata region.[25]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) An ancient Indian epic or reference that contains moral lessons; mentioned in context of performing Yajna.[26] (2) Refers to the lineage of the descendants among whom Kundala is identified, indicating a noble lineage.[27] (3) A prominent figure in the context, who is connected to the construction of a Kunda after meditating upon Ramacandra.[28]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Rama's brother, described as foremost among righteous persons, who suffers deeply from separation from Rama.[29] (2) Rama's younger brother who rules in Rama's absence and desires Rama's return.[30]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The first sub-continent among the Varshas, representing a significant landmass within the earth's sphere.[31] (2) The holy land mentioned in the context of geographical landmarks and significant events in the narrative.[32]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) The universal sovereign and son of Dushyanta.[33]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) An important work traditionally attributed to Vyasa, known for its epic narratives, which is now at risk of being forgotten.[34]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) A well-known sub-continent associated with various attributes of civilizations and people.[35]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A country mentioned in the text that is represented in the arrangement of constellations and regions.[36]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Refers to the Mahabharata, a divine poem that is considered prior to the Markandeya Purana, despite conflicting traditions about their origins.[37]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The saint who lived in the temple of Vishveshvara, significant for being involved in the liberation of the two girls.[38]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A significant work that Vyasa is encouraged to compose, based on teachings from the Vedas, and aimed at the edification of women, Sudras, and fallen men.[39]
From: Dasarupaka (critical study)
(1) The author of the Natyashastra, who outlines essential principles for the composition of dramatic works.[40] (2) The author of the Natyashastra, defining the rules for Prahasana, emphasizing the importance of character types and their behavior.[41] (3) The reputed author of Natyashastra, whose guidelines on performance styles and sentiments have shaped Indian theatrical traditions.[42] (4) The author of Natyashastra, who prescribes rules for the application of styles and the structure of drama.[43] (5) An ancient scholar whose rules of drama are referenced in the context of the Urubhanga.[44]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) The master of dramatic art who learned the Natyaveda from Brahma and disseminated its teachings to his sons.[45] (2) A speaker in the text who discusses the origin of drama and various aspects of its performance.[46] (3) A legendary figure in Indian dramaturgy, whose list includes one hundred sons and whose works inform later playwrights.[47]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) Considered the first proponent of the theory of rasa, whose ideas on aesthetic emotions in dramatic representation have had a significant influence on Indian poetics.[48] (2) An ancient scholar who classified ten gunas, presenting a foundation for future discussions about poetic qualities.[49] (3) Considered the pioneer rhetorician in the field of Sanskrit rhetoric who first discussed the concept of rasa.[50]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) The son of Dasharatha and Kaikeyi, depicted as a character experiencing deep grief due to the banishment of his brother Rama.[51] (2) Bharata is the son of king Dasharatha and Kaikeyi, whom Kaikeyi wishes to make the king of Ayodhya.[52]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The name of the individual being described; also signifies a great bowman.[53] (2) Refers to the Indian subcontinent, the location where King Sobhana's story takes place.[54]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Bharata is identified as another incarnation that is in the context of the Lord's divine aspects.[55]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A character from the Ramayana known for his loyalty and devotion to his brother, Shri Ramacandra.[56]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A term used to address someone, often associated with India or a person of Indian heritage.[57]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The country where the Mahabharata takes place, also referring to the family lineage involved in the epic.[58]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) The land highlighted as a place of duty and virtue, distinguished from the transient pleasures of heaven.[59]
From: Malatimadhava (study)
(1) An ancient rhetorician who identified five varieties of riti, adding depth to the understanding of poetic structure.[60]
From: Annadatri-carita (study)
(1) The established figure credited with founding the Rasa school within the field of dramaturgy.[61]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A significant land division in the southern part of the world described in the text, characterized by its various divisions.[62] (2) Another name for the Mahabharata, particularly in the context of its translation into Tamil.[63]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) An address to refer to the king or ruler, highlighting important discussions in the context of dharma.[64]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) The author of Natyashastra, who references different postures related to archery, influencing Kshirasvamin's interpretations.[65]
From: Kavyamimamsa of Rajasekhara (Study)
(1) Bharatamuni, a figure credited with composing Natyashastra, mentioned in the Kavyamimamsa's examinations of poetical form.[66]
Jain concept of 'Bharata'
In Jainism, Bharata signifies a vital region linked to India's cultural and geographical identity, representing human society's transformation, potential Arhat sites, and historical significance as associated with notable figures and narratives.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The ruler of Bharatakshetra, associated with the historical and spiritual lineage.[67] (2) The specific zone within Jambudvipa where the city of Kaushambi is located.[68] (3) The ruler of the earth up to the ocean, whose command must be obeyed according to Lakshmana.[69] (4) A significant region mentioned as a site for future Arhats and Cakrins.[70] (5) The name of the land where the town Potana and district Bahali are located, part of Jambudvipa.[71]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) A specific reference to the southern region, which is mentioned to be equal in characteristics to the northern regions.[72] (2) A specific geographic region referenced as a baseline for comparing the widths of the other mountains and regions.[73]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A term used to describe the state of human society within the context of the Bhagavati Sutra during a time of significant decline and transformation in human existence.[74]
The concept of Bharata in local and regional sources
Bharata encompasses multiple meanings: Rama's devoted brother, an ancient scholar of Natya Sastra, and a sage whose teachings influence classical Indian dance. He symbolizes moral integrity and loyalty, pivotal in both literature and theatre traditions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Rama's brother, portrayed with deep devotion to Rama and a strong sense of justice in the drama.[75] (2) A foundational text in Indian literature, written at a time when the Supreme Lord was referred to as Indra.[76] (3) Refers to the ancient Indian sage whose teachings on Natya (dance) form the foundation of classical Indian dance form.[77] (4) Rama's brother who exemplifies high moral character and struggles with loyalty to his family.[78] (5) An ancient Indian scholar whose Natya Sastra serves as a critical reference text for stage design and performance in both Sanskrit and Tamil traditions.[79]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A classical Indian epic that narrates the story of the Kurukshetra war and the fates of the Kaurava and Pandava princes.[80]