The name 'India' finds its origins in the Sanskrit term 'Sindhu,' referring to the mighty Indus River that flowed through the ancient land
Indus River Roots
Greeks and Iranians adapted 'Sindhu' as 'Hindos' or 'Indos,' marking the region east of the Indus River
Greek Influence
The Harappan civilization, flourishing 5,000 years ago along the Sindhu, was pivotal in shaping 'India' as a term
Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilisation engaged in extensive trade, connecting with regions like present-day Afghanistan and Iran
Trade and Connectivity
Persian invaders, from 600 BCE to 300 BCE, adopted the term 'Hindu' for the Sindhu River, influencing the nomenclature
Persian Influence
Greek explorer Scylax's exploration of the Indus River, between 550 BCE and 450 BCE, contributed to the term 'Indos'
Greek Connection
Greek adaptation of 'Indos,' due to the omission of the /h/ sound, eventually evolved into the term 'India,' with 'Indian'coined for inhabitants of the lower Indus basin
Evolution
By Alexander's era (356 BCE to 290 BCE), knowledge of North India extended up to the Ganges delta, influencing the term 'India.'
Alexander's Era
Megasthenes included the southern peninsulain the Indian territory, contributing to the transition from 'Sindhu' to 'Indos' and, eventually, 'India'
Megasthenes' Contribution
'Sindhu' and 'Hindu' contributed to the term 'Hindustan,' symbolizing the land of the Hindus, enduring through time and becoming integral to India's identity