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High-Level Committee Recommends Replacing 'India' with 'Bharat' in School Textbooks

  • 28 Oct 2023

Recently, a high-level committee established by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to revise the social sciences curriculum for schools has recommended replacing the name 'India' with 'Bharat' in school textbooks.

  • This suggestion has sparked controversy and raised concerns among opposition politicians. However, the NCERT clarified that the panel's recommendations have not been approved yet, and it's too early to comment on the matter.

Key Points

  • Committee Chair: The committee, led by C.I. Issac, a retired history professorsubmitted a report to NCERT earlier this year.
  • The panel, in a unanimous recommendation, proposed that the country's name should be referred to as 'Bharat' rather than 'India' in all school textbooks, from primary to high school levels.
  • Additional Recommendations: The committee also suggested that textbooks should allocate equal space to all dynasties that ruled India, rather than focusing solely on one or two dynasties.
  • Furthermore, they recommended the inclusion of new discoveries in the syllabus, whether historical or archaeological, to enhance the curriculum.
  • NCERT's Response: NCERT emphasized that the syllabus development process is still ongoing, and it's premature to comment on the proposed name change.
  • They indicated that various Curricular Area Groups of domain experts are working on developing the new syllabus and textbooks.

Historical Background of "Bharat" & "India"

Origins of the Names

  • The words "India" and its variants, like "Hind" in Arabic, originated from outsiders referring to the land south and east of the Indus or Sindhu River.

Historical Usage

  • During Afghan and Mughal rule, the term "Hindustan" was used for the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent.
  • European colonial powers, particularly the British, used "India" to describe both the northern region and the entire subcontinent.

Indian Renaissance and Nationalism

  • The Indian Renaissance contributed to the idea that the Indian subcontinent constituted a single nation.
  • Some believed that using a name given by outsiders was unacceptable and preferred the term "Bharat" and its variations in different languages.

Name Controversy

  • The Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, expressed concerns over using the name "India" for the newly independent nation. They advocated for "India" to be associated with Hindu-majority regions, while Muslim-majority areas would be recognized as Pakistan.

Syncretic Word - "Hind"

  • Figures like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose proposed the term "Hind" as a syncretic word acceptable to people of different faiths.
  • "Hind" remains in use today, with expressions like "Jai Hind" reflecting its significance.

Balancing "Bharat" and "India"

  • Adoption of the Constitution: The Indian Constitution was originally adopted in English, establishing its historical and legal importance.
  • Publication of a Hindi Translation: A Hindi translation of the Constitution was published in 1950, signed by members of the Constituent Assembly.
  • Official Status of Both Versions: Both English and Hindi versions of the Constitution hold official status within the Indian legal framework, emphasizing access in both official languages.

Constitutional Amendments

  • The 58th Amendment in 1987 addressed the use of Hindi and English in official documents and legal proceedings.
  • It granted the President the power to publish the official text of the Constitution in Hindi for use in legal proceedings.
  • Article 1(1) defines the name of the country. In English, it states "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States," while the Hindi version gives prominence to "Bharat.":
  • Official publications like the "Gazette of India" in English and "Bharat ka Rajpatra" in Hindi follow this naming convention.

Current Scenario

  • Use of "India" Internationally: India consistently uses "India" in international and multilateral forums for practicality and standardization in global diplomacy and communication.
  • Recent Example with Greece: The "India-Greece Joint Statement" highlights the use of "India" in official bilateral relations.
  • Dual-Language Approach: India follows a dual-language approach in official documents and diplomatic contexts to reflect its linguistic diversity.
  • Modern Usage: "Jai Hind" and "Jai Bharat" coexist in contemporary India, acknowledging its diverse historical and cultural heritage. Both expressions are used in major speeches, underlining the nation's rich tapestry.