India that is Bharat, and Article 1 – Constitution of India
Today we discuss a term “India that is Bharat” and Article 1 – Constitution of India.
In 2023,The current government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opted to use the designation “President of Bharat” instead of “President of India” on an invitation for the recent G-20 Summit. This change in terminology has attracted significant attention, suggesting that there may be underlying political motives influencing this choice of names.
After the opposition formed the INDIA alliance, there have been rumors of the government considering a name change for the country.
Other names for India
The ancient texts of Brahmanism, Buddhism, and Jainism unveil the existence of various names for our country, including Aryavarta, Bharatvarsha, and Jambudvipa.
Status of “India that is Bharat” in the Constitution
- Article 1: According to Article 1 of the Constitution, India that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.
- Preamble: The Preamble states that “WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into the SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens.”
India that is Bharat and Article 1 – Constitution of India
Name and Territory of the Union
(1) India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.
(2) The States and the territories thereof shall be as specified in the First Schedule.
(3) The territory of India shall comprise —
(a) the territories of the States;
(b) the Union territories specified in the First Schedule; and
(c) such other territories as may be acquired.
Origin of the Word “Bharat”
Connections to Indian Scriptures
The term “Bharat” finds its roots in ancient texts. According to the Vishnu Purana, “Bharata” refers to the land between the southern ocean and the snow-clad Himalayas in the north.
Associations with King Bharata
The name “Bharat” comes from ancient Sanskrit and is deeply embedded in Hindu mythology and history. It is named after King Bharata, a renowned figure mentioned in several Hindu scriptures, such as the Mahabharata and the Puranas.
Debates in the Constituent Assembly
Name Selection for the Newly Independent Nation
During the formation of the Indian constitution, there was considerable debate over what to name the new nation. Some members favored “Bharat” for its historical and cultural resonance, while others preferred to retain “India” for continuity and global recognition.
The initial draft of the constitution, presented by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on November 4, 1948, did not include the term “Bharat.” However, on September 17, 1949, Ambedkar proposed modifying Article 1 to state, “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.”
Opinions of Constitutional Assembly Members on the Name Change
- H.V. Kamath: Suggested using “Bharat, or in the English language, India.”
- Seth Govind Das: Proposed “Bharat, known as India, also in foreign countries.”
- Kamalapati Tripathi: Recommended “Bharat, that is, India.”
- Govind Ballabh Pant: Proposed simply “Bharat Varsha.”
Ultimately, the Constituent Assembly adopted Ambedkar’s original suggestion, “India, that is Bharat.”
Implications of Changing the Country’s Name to Bharat
Exclusivity to One Religion
Choosing the name “Bharat,” which has roots in Hindu scriptures, might alienate religious minorities and exacerbate existing communal tensions.
Sensitive Issue
A country’s name is tied closely to its national identity and pride, and changing it abruptly could elicit mixed reactions from the populace.
International Recognition
A name change could affect how other nations and international organizations recognize and interact with India, necessitating diplomatic efforts to manage treaties, agreements, and international relations.
Administrative and Legal Adjustments
Changing the country’s name would require updating numerous official documents, laws, currency, and government institutions, involving significant administrative work.
Economic Costs
Implementing a name change would incur substantial costs, including updating signage, currency, passports, and other official documents.
Linguistic and Regional Considerations
India’s diverse linguistic and regional landscape means a name change might raise various linguistic and regional issues, as different regions and languages have different names for the country.
Recent International Examples of Country Name Changes
- Turkey to Türkiye (2022): Turkey changed its name to Türkiye to better represent Turkish culture, civilization, and values.
- Zaire to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1997): Zaire was renamed to dissociate from the dictatorship of Mobutu Sese Seko.
Way Forward
National identity and attachment to a name develop over time, and abrupt, non-consensual changes could provoke backlash. Any decision to change the country’s name should involve broad consensus and consideration of public opinion and sentiment.