New Delhi (Agency): India, a country with a rich history and diverse culture, has recently sparked debates on the possibility of renaming itself, it would be naive not to consider the name Aryavarth and just Bharat.
This proposed change is not simply a cosmetic alteration; it holds profound significance in multiple ways. Here are some compelling reasons that make the name Aryavarth both historically meaningful and relevant for the nation’s current context.
The term Aryavarth comes from ancient Indian scriptures and refers to the “land of the Aryans.” It is a name steeped in the historical ethos of the Indian subcontinent and symbolizes a unified land governed by righteousness (dharma). Many Indian epics and ancient texts, such as the Rigveda and Mahabharata, mention Aryavarth, providing the term with historical validity.
Many historians have claimed that Aryavarth only referred to Northern India only and the Southern part of India was separate, that’s not the case. Lets look at the facts.
According to the Manusmriti, an ancient Hindu book, Aryavarta is defined as the region sandwiched between two oceans and bordered by the Himalayas to the North and the Vindhya mountains in the South. However, the Vindhya mountains described by Sage Valmiki in the Ramayana don’t match with what is commonly taught in geography textbooks today.
Valmiki, in the Ramayana’s Kishkinda Khanda, writes:
“हृष्ट पक्षि गण आकीर्णः कन्दर उदर कूटवान् |
दक्षिणस्य उदधेः तीरे विन्ध्यो अयम् इति निश्चितः ||
The English translation of this sloka (verse) tells us that the Vindhya Mountain ranges teem with birds, have caves in their midriffs, and are located at the coast of the southern ocean, identified as the Indian Ocean. This description contrasts with modern geography textbooks that place the Vindhya ranges far from the southern ocean, mainly spanning across central India.
This inconsistency is not just a trivial matter but emphasizes that geographical names in ancient scriptures should not be directly equated with modern cartography. For instance, the Manipur mentioned in the Mahabharata is not the Manipur state in today’s India but corresponds to modern-day Odisha.
Furthermore, Valmiki describes the Vindhya ranges as being covered with thick sandalwood trees, which is more consistent with the geography of the Tamil Nadu region. This discrepancy leads to the conclusion that when Manusmriti mentions Aryavarta, it refers to the land stretching from what is now known as Kashmir to Kanyakumari, rather than the Vindhya ranges as we know them today.
India is a diverse country with various religions, languages, and ethnic groups. Renaming the country to Aryavarth could serve as a unifying label that transcends these differences. A single name that is historically rooted can create a strong sense of national identity among the people, which is vital in maintaining unity.
“If we consider this monumental change, it’s crucial to approach it in a way that unites, rather than divides us,” says Dr. Prashant Goenka. “A name carries weight, and if chosen well, it can uplift a nation.”
Throughout history, India has been invaded and colonized by various nations. This has led to a blend of various cultural influences, which has sometimes clouded the country’s original heritage. The name Aryavarth could serve as a “reclamation” of India’s ancient culture, providing the country with an identity that is inherently its own.
A unique and historically rich name like Aryavarth can attract global attention. It provides a chance for India to reposition itself on the world stage not merely as an emerging power but also as a country deeply connected with its ancient civilization.