"Bharat" and "India" represent different historical and ideological vs. constitutional and international names for the country.
The naming distinction has become political, particularly with the formation of an opposition alliance called INDIA.
Political Implications
The current government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, used "President of Bharat" instead of "President of India" on an invitation card, sparking controversy.
Government's Usage
Historical Origins
"India" and its variations have foreign origins and were historically used by outsiders to refer to the Indian subcontinent.
Indian Renaissance and Nationalism
The Indian Renaissance played a role in promoting the use of "Bharat" to emphasize indigenous roots and a single Indian nation.
Name Controversy
During partition, the Muslim League raised concerns over the use of "India," reflecting deep religious and political divisions.
Syncretic Word
Figures like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose advocated for "Hind" as a syncretic word acceptable to a wide range of people.
Balancing Act
India has balanced the use of "India" and "Bharat" in its Constitution, with both versions being official.
Constitutional Amendments
The 58th Amendment in 1987 addressed issues related to the use of Hindi and English in official documents and legal proceedings.
Current Scenario
India uses "India" internationally but follows a dual-language approach domestically, reflecting its linguistic diversity.