Renaming India to Bharat : Explore the controversy surrounding India’s renaming to ‘Bharat’ as a move to shed colonial associations, its historical significance, and the political implications, amidst debates over preserving heritage and international recognition.
Renaming India to Bharat:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has made alterations to the invitations for the Group of 20 Summit by replacing the word “India” with the Sanskrit word “Bharat.” This change reflects their efforts to distance themselves from names associated with India’s colonial and imperialistic past.
President of Bharat:
Indian President Draupadi Murmu was referred to as “President of Bharat” in the G20 summit invitations, signifying the preference for this term over “India,” both domestically and internationally.
Historical Significance:
“Bharat” has historical roots in Sanskrit and Hindu texts and is seen as a way to reclaim India’s pre-colonial heritage. The Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party supports this shift in terminology, arguing that “India” was a colonial-era construct representing “subjugation.”
Renaming Efforts:
The Modi government has previously renamed places associated with India’s Mughal and colonial past, such as renaming Aurangzeb Road to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road and altering the name of a colonial-era thoroughfare in New Delhi.
Opposition Critique:
India’s opposition parties have criticized these renaming efforts, with some arguing that both “India” and “Bharat” should coexist, preserving the country’s heritage and international recognition.
Political Implications:
The debate over “India” vs. “Bharat” intensified with the formation of a new political alliance called “India,” aimed at challenging Modi in the 2024 national elections. Some officials from Modi’s party now advocate for using “Bharat” exclusively.