What Was India Known as in the Vedic Period and Beyond

During the Vedic period, the Indian subcontinent was known by several names, each holding significant cultural and historical importance. One of the most prominent names was Bharatvarsh, which is still honored in the Indian region today. This name was associated with King Bharat, a significant figure in Vedic mythology.

The Origin of Bharatvarsh

The land owned by the Bharat clan during the Rig Vedic times came to be known as Bharat, which later evolved into the name India. King Bharat, son of Rishabha and grandson of Swayambhuva Manu's son Priyavarata, played a crucial role in this naming. His lineage traced back to Agn?dhra, Nabhи, and ultimately to Bharat, who was the one whose empire came to be known as Bharatvarsh.

Bharatvarsh and the Kali Yugas

According to mythology, at the beginning of every creation, the Vedic period was highly significant. However, around the middle of the Kali Yuga, its importance was reduced. The name "Bharatvarsh" was re-established by Bhagavan after the end of the Kali Yuga. Prior to the Kali Yuga, India’s name was known as Ajanabha Varsha, which was named after Nabh?, who was a great ruler. Later, the empire of Bharatvarsh was further divided into seven dweepas (islands) according to the Almighty Krishna's command. Our current dweepa, Jambhu Dweepa, corresponds to the modern continent of Asia, which was then a part of a larger landmass.

The Vedic Period: A Longevity Beyond Time

The Vedic period is often seen as a specific historical era, but it is more accurately understood as a spiritual and cultural era that spans a much longer time. Western Indology constructs such as the Vedic period serve to protect and promote the identity of Western Christian cultures by reinterpreting historical narratives. However, the Veda suktas were written over a period that may extend up to 100,000 years. They were compiled into text form around 7500 years ago, immediately before and after the great war of the Mahabharata.

Despite this extensive time span, the Vedas remain eternally relevant. Bharat's name and the concept of Bharatvarsh will always be associated with the Vedic age because these texts hold spiritual and cultural significance that transcends time.

The concept of Bharatvarsh and its division into various dweepas and varshas reflects the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of India. While some modern interpretations may place the Vedic period in a more recent historical context, the enduring relevance of Vedic texts and the historical naming of India as Bharatvarsh confirms its deeper, timeless importance.

The reality of the multiverse adds a layer of complexity to understanding the historical and mythological narratives. The division of our current continents into larger ancient lands and the re-establishment of Bharatvarsh as a significant name in this history reflect the spiritual and cultural landscape that these texts describe.

Conclusion

India, known as Bharatvarsh, holds a rich and varied history that is deeply intertwined with the Vedic period. The name Bharat, associated with King Bharat, represents the sacred and timeless legacy of this region. The modern understanding of the Vedic period is but one interpretation of a much longer and enduring cultural heritage that continues to inspire and guide the Indian people.