A National issue, 'India vs Bharat' an Analytical View

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News Bureau of Investigation 

and Information Broadcasting,

India, officially known as the Republic of India, is a country located in South Asia. "India" is the internationally recognized name of the country and is commonly used in official documents, international discourse, and everyday conversation. It is also the name used in the Constitution of India, which was adopted in 1950.

"Bharat" is another name for India and holds cultural and historical significance. It is derived from ancient Indian texts and mythology and is often used in more traditional or poetic contexts. The name "Bharat" is mentioned in the preamble to the Constitution of India as a reference to the country in its native languages. The Constitution begins with the words, "We, the people of India (Bharat), having solemnly resolved to constitute India (Bharat) into a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic..."

In practice, both "India" and "Bharat" are used interchangeably, with "India" being the more common name in official documents and international affairs, while "Bharat" is used in certain cultural, historical, and traditional contexts. Both names refer to the same country.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, played a significant role in the inclusion of the word "Bharat" in the wording of Article 1. Article 1 of the Indian Constitution defines the name and territory of the Indian Union. It reads:

"India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States."

This article essentially incorporates both the official name "India" and the traditional name "Bharat" to represent the country. The inclusion of "Bharat" alongside "India" was intended to acknowledge the historical and cultural significance of the name "Bharat" in Indian heritage.

Dr. Ambedkar, who served as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, played a crucial role in shaping the language and content of the Constitution. He recognized the importance of preserving India's cultural diversity and heritage while establishing a modern and democratic nation. Therefore, he proposed the inclusion of both "India" and "Bharat" in Article 1 to reflect the country's dual identity.

This move was a symbolic gesture to honor India's rich history and to ensure that the Constitution recognized and respected the country's diverse linguistic, cultural, and historical traditions. By including "Bharat" in the wording of Article 1, Dr. Ambedkar and the framers of the Constitution aimed to strike a balance between India's ancient heritage and its modern, democratic identity.

The government might introduce a resolution to officially rename India as Bharat during the upcoming special session of Parliament, which is being convened on September 18.

September has consistently been a month of debates for many years, and this can be traced back to September

1949 when there was intense discussion regarding the phrase 'India, that is Bharat...'. This debate followed the

establishment of a committee on August 29, 1947, by the Constituent Assembly, with BR Ambedkar as its

chairman, to draft the Constitution.

The preamble to the Constitution of India, which is its introductory statement and sets out the guiding principles of the Constitution, begins with the words:

"We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic and to secure to all its citizens: Justice, social, economic and political; Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; Equality of status and opportunity; and to promote among them all Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation. In our Constituent Assembly, this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this Constitution."

The phrase "India, that is Bharat," is not found in the preamble but is actually part of Article 1 of the Indian Constitution, as you correctly mentioned earlier:

"India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States."

This formulation in Article 1 acknowledges both "India" and "Bharat" as the official names of the country. 

In Hindi, the Constitution is referred to as 'Bharat ka Samvidhan'. And Article 1 is, 'Bharata arthat India, rajyon ka

sangha hoga'. The term "Bharat" has ancient origins, found in Hindu texts like the Mahabharata and Manusmriti.

Advocates of 'Bharat' argue it represents the region's rich history and culture.

The historical context of pre-independence India is complex and rich, spanning many centuries. Here, I will provide a brief overview of the key historical periods and events leading up to India's independence in 1947:

Ancient India: India's history dates back thousands of years, with the Indus Valley Civilization being one of the world's earliest urban civilizations. India has a long history of dynastic rule, including the Mauryan and Gupta Empires. During this period, India made significant contributions to mathematics, science, art, and philosophy.

Medieval India: From around the 8th century onwards, India saw the rise and fall of various dynasties and empires, including the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. The Mughals, in particular, left a lasting impact on Indian culture, architecture, and administration.

British East India Company: In the 17th century, the British East India Company established trading posts in India. Over time, they expanded their control, eventually leading to direct British rule over India in the mid-19th century. This period, known as the British Raj, marked a significant turning point in Indian history.

Indian Nationalism: By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Indian intellectuals and leaders began to advocate for self-rule and independence from British colonial rule. The Indian National Congress (INC) and other political groups played a crucial role in this movement. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose became prominent figures in the struggle for independence.

World War I and II: India's participation in these wars had a significant impact on the independence movement. The sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during these wars raised awareness about India's demand for freedom.

Nonviolent Resistance: Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance (Satyagraha) became the central strategy of the Indian independence movement. Mass protests, boycotts, and civil disobedience campaigns aimed at challenging British authority were common during this period.

Independence and Partition: In 1947, the British government, led by Lord Louis Mountbatten, decided to grant India independence. This led to the partition of India into two separate nations, India and Pakistan, along religious lines. The partition was accompanied by widespread communal violence and the displacement of millions of people.

Formation of the Indian Republic: On January 26, 1950, India adopted its Constitution, becoming a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first President of India.

The historical context of pre-independence India is marked by a long and diverse history, as well as a complex struggle for independence that involved numerous leaders, movements, and ideologies. India's journey from colonial rule to independence was a significant event in the 20th century and shaped the nation's modern history and identity.

Critics say that the new names are an attempt to erase the Mughals, who were Muslims and ruled the subcontinent

for almost 300 years, from Indian history.

The Congress is leading a new opposition alliance that was recently formed with the aim of unseating Prime

Minister Narendra Modi in the 2024 general election. The 26-party Indian National Developmental Inclusive

Alliance, or INDIA, has made the potential name change an issue.

This Artilcel has became so large context but the historical changes alwasy are matter of long discussion, atleast we should understand the feeling of the Nation, either it's 'INDIA' or 'BHARAT'

by: 

Information Broadcasting (IB)

PNIB NEWS INDIA

Uttar Pradesh, U.K. NCR, DEL.

Chief Minister, Information Dept.

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet & State Admin.

Uttar Pradesh

Published by: 

Admin. officer,

Central News Bureau, 

PNIB NEWS INDIA

New Delhi.