As a country of great diversity and history, the fact that the nation has multiple names is representative or symbolic of the same, and simply reinforces India’s diverse culture and ethos.

The Republic of India has three principal short names, in both official and popular English usage, each of which is historically significant. All three originally designated a single entity comprising all the modern nations of the Indian subcontinent. These names are India, Bharata and Hindustan. The first Article of the Constitution of India states that “India, that is Bharata, shall be a union of states.” Thus, India and Bharata are equally official short names for the Republic of India, while “Hindustan” is still widely used as an alternative name when North Indians speak amongst themselves. “Hindustan” is also used in historical contexts (especially British India). Indians commonly refer to their country as Bharata, India or Hindustan (in the North) depending on the context and language of conversation.