Bharat over India: Deciphering G20’s Evolving Identity Narrative

In a recent move that ignited speculation and fervent debate, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, replaced the internationally recognized name ‘India’ with the Sanskrit term ‘Bharat’ in official dinner invitations sent to delegates attending the G20 summit. The revision may be indicative of a broader narrative, one that appears to be challenging vestiges of colonial and Mughal influences in the country.

An Ancient Name Resurfaces

Historically, the term “Bharat” isn’t novel. It finds mention in ancient Hindu scriptures, composed in the profound language of Sanskrit. This traditional term coexists with “India” as one of the country’s two official names under its constitution. However, the primacy of “India”, a moniker rooted in Western antiquity and fortified during the British colonial era, has remained mostly unchallenged in global affairs until now.

With the invite to the G20 summit identifying the hosting head of state as the “President of Bharat”, it is evident that a powerful statement is being made. This act rekindles the debate about India’s identity in the modern age and the underlying symbolism in its chosen name.

Modi’s Vision: Erasing Colonial and Mughal Legacies

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with PM Narendra Modi at its helm, has a well-documented stance of seeking to diminish elements reminiscent of the Mughal and colonial eras. Such endeavors are not merely rooted in renaming practices but are emblematic of a more profound quest for decolonization and an assertion of a uniquely Indian identity.

Throughout his tenure, Modi has often invoked the term “Bharat” when addressing the nation, signaling his preference. The broader BJP party’s agenda has leaned towards favoring “Bharat”, challenging the usage of the more internationally recognized “India”.

In this context, the recent development at the G20 summit isn’t an isolated incident but fits within a larger framework of actions and decisions undertaken by the current administration.

Infrastructure and Symbolism

One of Modi’s monumental undertakings in this direction has been the renovation of New Delhi’s parliamentary district. Originally conceptualized and constructed by British architects, this precinct, rich in colonial symbolism, has been undergoing significant changes to replace structures that stand as remnants of the colonial epoch.

Furthermore, the government unveiled plans last month detailing a substantial revision of India’s pre-independence criminal code. The goal? To excise references to the British monarchy and, as Home Minister Amit Shah candidly put it, “other signs of our slavery”.

This drive for change doesn’t stop at colonial influences. Modi’s administration has displayed an assertive approach in renaming locations bearing Islamic nomenclature, a legacy of the Mughal era. Critics argue this shift underscores an attempt to accentuate the dominant status of the majority Hindu religion in India.

Beyond Nomenclature: Political Implications

The discourse surrounding the terms “India” and “Bharat” transcends mere semantics, holding political weight and implications. In an intriguing development earlier this year, opposition parties unified under a new coalition named INDIA, an acronym for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. Their avowed aim? To challenge and defeat Modi’s BJP in the impending 2024 national elections.

This alliance’s naming sparked a renewed demand from sections of the BJP to transition from “India” to “Bharat” officially.

Voices from the Field

Support for the name “Bharat” isn’t limited to political corridors. Former Test cricketer Virender Sehwag publicly endorsed the idea, urging the national cricket board to adopt “Bharat” on team jerseys. He stated, “India is a name given by the British [and] it has been long overdue to get our original name ‘Bharat’ back.”

Such sentiments resonate with many who view the name change as a restoration of the country’s authentic identity. Historically, post-independence governments have made efforts to diminish British colonial imprints, manifested through renaming roads and even entire cities. The current government’s drive, however, is seen as more intensive and purpose-driven.

A Glimpse into the Future?

While the BJP-led government has remained largely reticent about its future legislative intentions, reliable sources suggest that there might be more in store. Reports hint that a special resolution may be presented in the upcoming parliamentary session to grant “Bharat” precedence over “India” officially.

Whether this move materializes or remains confined to symbolic gestures is yet to be seen. What’s undeniable, however, is that the re-emergence of “Bharat” has rekindled debates about India’s identity, its colonial past, and its vision for the future. The conversation, as is evident from the G20 episode, now has a global audience.

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