Users Can Now Search for “India” or “Bharat” in Google Maps
Google Maps has officially recognized both “India” and “Bharat” as a “Country in South Asia,” allowing users to access the official Indian map by searching for either term. This change is consistent whether using Google Maps in Hindi or English.
Government’s Shift Towards “Bharat”
The text description for both “India” and “Bharat” remains similar in both languages. This update aligns with the Indian government’s gradual shift towards using “Bharat” in official communications. Google is extending this option to use either “Bharat” or “India” across various products, including Search, Translator, and News. Although there hasn’t been official confirmation from Google regarding these changes, users can readily observe the shift in their search results.
Rise of “Bharat” in Official Usage
Notably, a recent proposal by the railway ministry to the Union Cabinet used “Bharat” instead of “India” in its content, marking a significant shift. Additionally, Google Translate offers alternative nouns like “Hindusthan” for “India” in its translations.
Meanwhile, the railway ministry has reportedly submitted a proposal to the Cabinet in which the term “India” has been replaced with “Bharat” throughout the document. This indicates the government’s intent to gradually adopt the indigenous term for the country in official documents and communications.
Changes in Educational Materials
This move follows closely on the heels of a proposal by a panel from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The panel, chaired by CI Isaac, recommended the replacement of “India” with “Bharat” in school textbooks, the introduction of “classical history” in place of “ancient history” in the curriculum, and the inclusion of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) in the syllabus.
These changes reflect a broader cultural and linguistic shift towards emphasizing the term “Bharat” in various facets of Indian society, including government communications and educational materials. Google’s decision to recognize both “India” and “Bharat” in Google Maps aligns with these evolving language preferences and the cultural richness of India.
