History of Vishwa Guru Bharat
Understanding the Ancient Legacy and Cultural Heritage of Bharat
"Bharat" is a name for India in Hindi and several other Indian languages, derived from ancient Sanskrit and is often used in formal contexts to refer to the country, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.
Origin of the Name "Bharat"
The name "Bharatvarsha" or "Bharat" originated from Bharat, the son of the first Jain Tirthankar, Lord Rishabhdev. Bharat later became an emperor, known as a Chakravarti Samrat, who was considered the master of all four directions. The country was named "Bharatvarsha" after Emperor Bharat, the first universal monarch.
This fact is confirmed by inscriptions found in the caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri in Odisha, dating back 2000 years, written in Brahmi script and in Prakrit language, describing how the country derived its name from Bharat.
The Battle of Ten Kings (Dasarajna)
In the Rigveda, there is mention of a war believed to have occurred before the Mahabharata, known as the Battle of Ten Kings or the Dasarajna. One side consisted of people of the Tritsu clan, also known as the Bharat Sangh, while the other side was an alliance of ten states. This battle resulted in the victory of the Bharat Sangh, establishing their rule over the entire region, which earned the name Bharat.
The Ancient Vedic Tribe
"Bharat" was the name of an ancient Vedic tribe or community that existed in the latter half of the second millennium BCE. Mention of this tribe or community is found in the Rigveda. The ancient name of Bharat was derived from the name of the Bharat tribe or community, which was later used to name the land as "Bharatvarsha" or "Bharat-Bhumi."
References in Ancient Scriptures
Vishnu Purana
"The country lying north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains is called Bharatam; there dwell the descendants of Bharata."
The stories related to the name Bharat are also found in various scriptures like Vishnu Purana, Vayu Purana, Linga Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Agni Purana, and Markandeya Purana.
The Many Names of India
Bharat Varsha
Based on mythological facts, the entire Earth was known as Bharat Varsha. Its seven continents are mentioned in the Shrimad Bhagavatam.
Hindustan
Hindustan is located in the heart of Greater India, extending from the Himalayas in the north to the ocean and seas in the south.
Aryavarta
Aryavarta means the land of Aryans. This land extended from Afghanistan to the Ganga River, forming an important part of India.
Other Names
Al Hind (Arab), Tianzhu (China), Hodo (Japan), Fagyu (Tibet), and India (from Indus River).
The Eternal Legacy
The history of Vishwa Guru Bharat is a testament to the rich cultural, spiritual, and intellectual heritage that has shaped not just India, but influenced the entire world. From the ancient Vedic times to the present day, Bharat has been a beacon of knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment.