The name “Bhaarata” (or Bharat), as India is known in Sanskrit and many Indian languages, has deep historical and cultural roots that trace back to ancient times, with one of its earliest connections linked to the Battle of the Ten Kings (Dasharajna Yuddha) described in the Rigveda, an ancient Vedic text. This event, found in the 7th Mandala of the Rigveda (notably, hymn 18), is considered one of the earliest recorded conflicts in Indian history and played a significant role in shaping the identity of the region.
The Battle of the Ten Kings
The Battle of the Ten Kings took place on the banks of the Parushni River (modern-day Ravi River in Punjab) and involved King Sudas of the Bharata tribe facing a confederation of ten tribal kings. The Bharatas were an Indo-Aryan tribe, and their adversaries included both Aryan and non-Aryan groups, such as the Purus, Yadus, Turvasas, Anus, Druhyus, Pakthas, Bhalanas, Alinas, Vishanins, and Shivas. The Rigveda portrays this as a fierce conflict, with Sudas emerging victorious despite being outnumbered.
The battle’s turning point came when Sudas, aided by his priest Vasistha and the Vedic god Indra, employed a strategic maneuver—possibly breaching a natural dyke or dam on the river. This caused a flood that scattered and drowned many of his enemies, securing his triumph. The victory is celebrated in the Rigveda as a testament to the Bharatas’ strength and divine favor, marking a pivotal moment in their rise to prominence.
The Bharatas and the Name “Bhaarata”
The term “Bhaarata” is derived from the Sanskrit root bhr- meaning “to bear” or “to sustain,” reflecting a sense of nurturing or upholding. In the context of the Rigveda, it is closely tied to the Bharata tribe, led by King Sudas Paijavana. After their victory in the Battle of the Ten Kings, the Bharatas expanded their influence eastward, crossing rivers like the Beas and Sutlej and eventually settling in the Kurukshetra region. This success laid the foundation for the later Kuru polity, a significant tribal union in northern India.
Over time, the name “Bharata” became associated with the land and people under their dominion. The Bharatas’ prominence in the Rigveda, coupled with their victories, likely contributed to the region being referred to as “Bharatavarsha” (the land of Bharata) in later texts like the Puranas. The Vishnu Purana, for instance, describes Bharatavarsha as a vast territory encompassing the Indian subcontinent, reinforcing the link between the Bharata tribe and the geographical identity of India.
Other Traditions and Interpretations
While the Rigvedic Bharatas provide a historical basis, Indian tradition offers additional mythological layers to the name’s origin. In the Mahabharata, “Bharata” is also the name of a legendary king, the son of Dushyanta and Shakuntala, who is said to have unified the land through his conquests and righteousness. This Bharata is often credited with giving the country its name in popular lore. Similarly, in Jainism, Bharat Chakravarti, the eldest son of the first Tirthankara Rishabhanatha, is said to have named the land “Bharat” after his rule.
Despite these diverse narratives, the Rigvedic Battle of the Ten Kings stands out as the earliest textual evidence connecting the name “Bharata” to a specific historical event and tribe. Scholars like Michael Witzel suggest the battle occurred between 1450 and 1300 BCE, making it a foundational moment in Vedic history.
How the Name Endured
The victory of Sudas and the Bharatas didn’t just mark a military triumph—it symbolized the consolidation of Vedic culture and the Bharata tribe’s dominance over other groups. After the battle, the Bharatas merged with their former rivals, the Purus, forming the Kuru tribe, which later became central to the Mahabharata epic. This unification helped spread the name “Bharata” as a cultural and territorial marker.
In the Indian Constitution, “India, that is Bharat,” reflects this dual identity, with “Bharat” carrying the weight of ancient heritage. The Battle of the Ten Kings, though not the sole origin, is a key thread in this tapestry, illustrating how a tribal victory on the banks of the Ravi River contributed to naming a civilization that endures to this day.
In essence, “Bhaarata” emerged from the legacy of the Bharata tribe, immortalized through their triumph in the Battle of the Ten Kings, and grew into a name synonymous with the land and its people—a story of resilience, strategy, and cultural continuity.
