India; 3 Definition(s)

Introduction

India means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

India (इन्दिअ).—'South Śarakh', a newspaper published from the United Arab Republic with the assistance of the Indian Embassy gives the following account of how the land originally known as 'Bhārata' came to be called India. The name 'India' was given to "Bhārata" by the Arabs. Even from very early times, Arabs used to give the name 'Hind' to their girls. In ancient Arabic love poems, this name could be seen very frequently. There were commercial and cultural contacts between Bhārata and Arab lands, from very old times. The words 'Kharan Fūl' (spices) 'Pulfūl' (Pepper) etc. may be seen in Arabic poems of the pre-Islamic period. These contacts became more intimate in later years and the Arabs began to take very great interest in the products and the people of this country. They began to call 'Bhārata' by the pet name 'Hind' which they used for their little children. They began to use the term 'Al Hind' when referring to Bhārata in their poems, records and trade agreements In course of time this was shortened to 'Hind' and finally became 'INDIA'.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

India history and geogprahy

India.—The word ‘India’ is derived from the river Sindhu or the Indus. Sindhu is the name of a river mentioned in the Gupta inscription No. 20. The Gupta empire (r. 3rd-century CE), founded by Śrī Gupta, covered much of ancient India and embraced the Dharmic religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

India (at the time of the Buddha) was divided into small independent kingdoms. Of these kingdoms Magadha under Bimbisāra and Ajātasattu, Kosala under Pasenadi, Avanti under Pajjota, and Kosambī under Udena, played important roles in the political drama of India in the sixth and fifth centuries B.C.

context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

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