The Truth about Country Names

When we refer to countries, we often use names that sound familiar to us. These names are known as ’exonyms’. For example, the name “Germany“ is an exonym, while Germans themselves call their country “Deutschland“. In the same way, many of us know the South Asian subcontinent as “India“. However, the true name, as recognized and used by its inhabitants, is “Bharat“. So, why the difference? Over time, as cultures interacted and languages evolved, countries were given different names in foreign languages. These names sometimes stemmed from historical events, misinterpretations, or linguistic shifts. The term “India“ likely came from the River Indus, while “Bharat“ is derived from ancient Indian texts and refers to a legendary king of the same name. The distinction between an endonym (a name used by the locals) and an exonym (a name used by outsiders) might seem trivial, but it carries significant cultural and historical weight. By understanding and respecting these native names, we embrace a more authentic perspective of the world around us.