Have you ever wondered why India is called 'India' in English? The origins of the name can be traced back to the ancient times when the country was known as 'Bharat' in Sanskrit. But how did it come to be known as 'India'?

According to historical records, the name 'India' was derived from the River Indus, which was once a major river in the region. The Greeks referred to the country as 'Indoi' or 'Indika', which eventually evolved into 'India' as we know it today.

However, the name 'India' did not come into common use until the British colonial rule in the 19th century. During this time, the British Empire extended its influence over the Indian subcontinent, and the term 'India' was officially adopted to refer to the entire region.

It is believed that the Britishers chose the name 'India' because it was already familiar to the Western world, having been used by ancient Greek and Roman historians to describe the Indian subcontinent. The name also had a certain exotic appeal that suited the colonial narrative of India as a faraway land of mystery and intrigue.

Despite its colonial origins, the name 'India' has stuck and continues to be used to refer to the country even today. It has become ingrained in popular culture and is recognized worldwide as the name of one of the oldest civilizations on earth.

So, the next time you wonder why India is called 'India', remember that it is a legacy of the country's rich history and the influence of foreign powers that once ruled over it.