It is speculated that the Central Government could bring a resolution to change India’s official name to ‘Bharat’ during the special session of Parliament later this month. There’s a long list of countries that have changed their names due to political, social, or other reasons.
The official invitation for the G20 Summit dinner at the Rashtrapati Bhawan has caused a stir by referring to the ‘President of Bharat’ instead of the ‘President of India’. This has led to discussions regarding a potential renaming of the country. There is speculation that the Central Government might introduce a resolution to officially change India’s name to ‘Bharat’ in a special session of Parliament scheduled for later this month.
It’s worth noting that India wouldn’t be the first country to undergo such a change if it indeed occurred. Many countries have altered their names in the past due to various political, social, or other reasons. Below is a compilation of countries that have undergone name changes in history.
Turkey to Turkiye
In 2022, Turkey officially informed the United Nations of its name change to Turkey. President Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey best represents the nation’s culture, civilization, and values.
Holland to the Netherlands
The Netherlands transitioned from being called Holland to modernizing its global image. This name change aimed to highlight the country’s aspiration to present itself as an open, inventive, and inclusive nation.
Burma to Myanmar
In 1989, Myanmar adopted its current name, a year after the ruling military junta suppressed a pro-democracy uprising. The Southeast Asian nation had been traditionally referred to as Burma, after the dominant Burman ethnic group.
Ceylon to Sri Lanka
The island nation, previously known as Ceylon, was renamed Sri Lanka to underscore its cultural heritage and remove historical vestiges of Portuguese and British rule. The name Ceylon, however, persisted in official use until 2011 before being completely phased out.
Persia to Iran
Iran, known as Persia until 1935, underwent a name change announced by King Reza Shah to symbolize a new era for the nation. Nevertheless, cultural exports such as food, art, and literature from the region are still often referred to as Persian.
Siam to Thailand
Thailand was originally referred to as Siam until 1939. It briefly reverted to Siam between 1946 and 1948 before becoming the Kingdom of Thailand. The new name was chosen to emphasize the country’s independence and reflect the national pride of the Thai people.
Czechia (formerly Czech Republic)
In 2016, the Czech Republic simplified its name to Czechia. This change was aimed at facilitating recognition in sporting events and marketing efforts.
Cape Verde to Republic of Cabo Verde
In 2013, Cape Verde adopted the complete Portuguese spelling of the Republic of Cabo Verde.
Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo underwent multiple name changes before adopting its current name in 1997. It was previously known as Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Congo-Leopoldville, Republic of Congo, and the Republic of Zaire.
Swaziland to Eswatini
In 2018, King Mswati III renamed the country from the Kingdom of Swaziland to the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Next Maybe India To Bharat
In the forthcoming special session of Parliament under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s government, there is a possibility of a proposition to alter India’s official designation from “India, that is Bharat” to the simpler form of “Bharat.” This proposed constitutional amendment is gaining traction and is scheduled for discussion between September 18th and 22nd.