When it comes to understanding the relationship between India and China, it is important to consider the various names that have been used to refer to India in Chinese history. One interesting aspect of this relationship is the Chinese nickname for India.

India is at present known as Yindu (印度) in Chinese. However, this is not the only name that has been used to refer to India in Chinese historical texts. In fact, there are several ancient Chinese names for India that provide insight into the way in which China has historically viewed its neighbor to the south.

One of the earliest names for India in Chinese texts is Tianzhu (天竺). This name first appeared in the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) and was used to refer to the Indian subcontinent. The name Tianzhu is derived from the Sanskrit word "Sindhu," which was used to refer to the Indus River and, by extension, the region around it.

Another ancient Chinese name for India is Jambudvipa (寰宇). This name comes from Sanskrit and refers to the Indian subcontinent as a whole. The term Jambudvipa is rooted in Indian cosmology and mythology, where it is used to refer to the terrestrial world. In Chinese texts, Jambudvipa is often associated with Buddhist ideas and teachings.

One of the most interesting ancient Chinese names for India is Fulin (拂菻). This name was first used during the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE) and was derived from the Persian word for India, "Hind." The name Fulin reflects the fact that China had contact with India through the Silk Road, which connected China with the Middle East and South Asia.

Overall, the Chinese nickname for India has evolved over time, reflecting the changing relationship between the two countries. From the early name Tianzhu to the modern name Yindu, these ancient Chinese names provide a window into the historical interactions between India and China.