Essay on Should India be Renamed Bharat
The question of renaming India as ‘Bharat’ has been a subject of robust debate among academics, politicians, and citizens alike. At the heart of the matter is not just a change of name, but a whole gamut of cultural, historical, and ideological implications that come with it. Proponents of the idea argue that renaming the country would be a reclamation of its identity, shedding the colonial past and embracing its indigenous culture. On the other hand, opponents caution that such a move may be reductionist, erasing the rich tapestry of diversities that the nation encapsulates.
To appreciate the call for renaming India, one must delve into the roots of how India came to be named as such in the first place. The name ‘India’ is derived from the River Indus, which was crucial to the early civilisations that developed in the Indian subcontinent. The Greeks, who found the name of the river hard to pronounce, referred to the land as ‘Indica’, and eventually, the term evolved into ‘India’. However, India’s original name, as per ancient scriptures and texts, is ‘Bharat’, named after a legendary king in Hindu mythology. The Constitution of India recognises the country as ‘India, that is Bharat’. Essentially, the name ‘Bharat’ evokes a sense of tradition, linking the country to its ancient past and indigenous roots.
Proponents of renaming the country argue that doing so would be an act of reclaiming identity. During the colonial era, various elements of India’s culture and heritage were suppressed or marginalised. The change of name from Bharat to India, in this view, was a colonial strategy to anglicise and thereby diminish the native culture. In the post-colonial era, as India grapples with its identity, renaming the country would symbolise the rejection of a colonial past and the embracing of an indigenous future.
Moreover, the argument for ‘Bharat’ also derives strength from its emotional resonance among the people. The term embodies the spirit of ‘unity in diversity’ that India cherishes, and it is often invoked in patriotic narratives. Whether it is the chanting of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ (Victory for Mother India) in political rallies or the reference to ‘Bharat’ in the national anthem, the term evokes a strong sense of national pride and unity. Hence, formalising this name would only cement this emotional bond further.
However, renaming a country is not merely an emotional or symbolic gesture; it has practical implications too. Changing the name of a nation involves amendments to legal documents, alterations in international treaties, and a shift in diplomatic identities. It’s a complicated, time-consuming, and potentially expensive process. One needs to consider if the symbolic gains outweigh the practical challenges and costs that would be incurred.
Furthermore, the name ‘India’ is now globally recognised and holds significant brand value in terms of international relations, trade, and tourism. Would renaming the country as ‘Bharat’ dilute this global brand identity, causing more harm than good in the long run? This is a legitimate concern that needs careful scrutiny before making such a momentous decision.
Another counter-argument stems from India’s pluralistic society, which is home to a myriad of cultures, religions, and languages. The name ‘Bharat’ is closely associated with Hindu mythology, and the formal adoption of this name could be interpreted as an endorsement of a specific religious narrative. This is problematic in a country that prides itself on secularism and diversity. Would the minorities feel alienated by this change? Would it fuel sectarian tension in an already volatile socio-political landscape?
Moreover, would a mere change of name truly empower the nation to overcome the shackles of its colonial past? Critics argue that the focus should be on substantial reforms in education, healthcare, and governance, rather than symbolic gestures that may or may not have a long-lasting impact on the nation’s psyche. After all, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
In conclusion, the proposal to rename India as ‘Bharat’ is fraught with complexities. While the symbolic and emotional resonance of ‘Bharat’ is compelling, the practical challenges and the potential to stir sectarian tension cannot be overlooked. If the objective is to reclaim lost heritage and identity, then perhaps the focus should be on more substantive measures that bring about real change. The name ‘India’ or ‘Bharat’ is but a label; what truly defines a country is the collective will of its people to forge a unified, progressive future.
