By Desis, for Desis and Everyone Else!!
What’s a Desi?
The term “desi” is a term that is commonly used by people from the Indian subcontinent to refer to themselves or other people (origin or ancestry) from the region.
The word “Desi” is derived from the Sanskrit word “desh,” which means “country” or “region” or “homeland”. (‘Sanskrit’ word ‘Desh’? What is Sanskrit?)
Did you ever wonder:
What is Indian culture like? Learn more!
Interesting facts about India you didn’t know about!
Explore Indian customs.
Traveling to India? You are in for a treat – Explore here!
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Desi people can come from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives. The term can also be used to describe aspects of Indian origin culture, including food, clothing, music, and art.
Why is India, called India?
What regions were part of India?
Approximately 5000 to 7500 years ago, the Indian subcontinent experienced the emergence of numerous ancient civilizations and cultures. The most remarkable civilization during this period was the Indus Valley Civilization, also recognized as the Harappan Civilization, which was among the earliest urban civilizations in the world.

Indus Valley Civilization
The ancient Indus Valley Civilization thrived along the Indus River and its tributaries in what is now modern-day Pakistan and western India. This civilization is among the earliest urban societies known, featuring meticulously designed cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro as its primary hubs.
Mohenjo-daro – Wikipedia
The urban planning in these cities was highly developed, with intricate drainage systems and a yet-to-be-deciphered script.
The Indus Valley Civilization extended from modern-day northeastern Afghanistan in the west to Gujarat in western India in the east and from northern Pakistan to the southernmost parts of India.
The cultural influence of the civilization was thought to have extended beyond its heartland in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent to other areas within the subcontinent.
During the classical period, which was approximately 2000 years ago, the Indian subcontinent was a large and varied area, encompassing what is now known as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and portions of Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.

What was the Indus Valley Civilization?
It extended from the Himalayas in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south and from the Arabian Sea in the west to the Bay of Bengal in the east.
Historical sources like ancient texts, inscriptions, travel accounts, and archaeological findings provide valuable clues about the extent of the Indian subcontinent during different periods. For example:
- Ancient Indian Texts: Ancient Indian texts, such as the Vedas, the Puranas, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana, often mention the geographical boundaries of various regions in the subcontinent, giving insights into its extent.
- Foreign Travel Accounts: Accounts of foreign travelers, such as Megasthenes (Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya), Fa-Hien (Chinese monk and traveler), and others, provide valuable information about the regions they visited in ancient India.
- Inscriptions: Inscriptions found on stone pillars and other artifacts give valuable historical and geographical information about the territories ruled by different dynasties.
- Archaeological Findings: Archaeological excavations at ancient sites, such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, provide evidence of the urban civilization that thrived in the Indus Valley region, further expanding our understanding of ancient India’s extent.
Although an exact map of India from 2000 years ago is not available, there is sufficient historical evidence to develop a broad understanding of its borders.
Where does the word India come from?
The term “India” itself has its origins in ancient Greek and Latin. The Greeks used the term “Indos” to refer to the people living in the region around the Indus River. The Greek historian Herodotus and other ancient writers mention “India” as a distant and mysterious land beyond Persia.
The Latin term “India” was derived from the Greek word “Indos,” and it was used in classical and medieval European literature to refer to the Indian subcontinent.
Over time, the term “India” became more widely adopted and has been used in English and many other languages to refer to the country and the Indian subcontinent as a whole.
What is Indus?

Indus River
The Indus River or Sindhu is one of the longest rivers in Asia, flowing through multiple countries. It originates in the Tibetan plateau in China and runs through India and Pakistan before emptying into the Arabian Sea. The river has great historical and cultural significance, especially in the context of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around its banks thousands of years ago.
Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan civilization, was one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations. It developed around the floodplains of the Indus River in what is now modern-day Pakistan and western India during the Bronze Age, around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE or perhaps earlier.
The civilization had well-planned cities, sophisticated architecture, a system of writing (still not fully deciphered), and advanced drainage and sanitation systems. It is considered one of the three great early civilizations, alongside Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Indus civilization | History, Location, Map, Artifacts, Language, & Facts
Why Indus?
The river known as “Sindhu” in the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit is indeed called the Indus River in English. The name “Indus” is derived from the Greek word “Indos”, which was used by the ancient Greeks to refer to the river.
The Greek historian Herodotus (5th century BCE) was among the first to mention the river and used the term “Indos” to refer to it. The name “Indus” gradually became widely adopted and has been used in English and other European languages to refer to the river ever since.
The Sanskrit term “Sindhu” is the original name for the river and is still used in the Indian subcontinent. The Sindhu River has immense historical and cultural significance in the region, and it gave rise to the name “India” itself. The word “India” is derived from the ancient Persian name for the region, “Hindu” which in turn was derived from “Sindhu”.
Over time, the name “Indus” became the dominant term used in the Western world, while “Sindhu” continued to be used in the Indian subcontinent to refer to the same river.
Historical Beginnings: The Indus Valley Civilisation – Google Arts & Culture
What was India called in Ancient times?
Before the term “India” came into use, the Indian subcontinent was referred to by different names during different periods of history. Here’s an overview:
Bharatavarsha
In ancient Sanskrit texts, such as the Puranas and the Mahabharata, the Indian subcontinent was referred to as “Bharatavarsha” or “Bharata”. This name has its roots in ancient Indian stories and is associated with the legendary Emperor Bharata, who ruled the land, and was an ancestor of the heroes in the epic Mahabharata.
Jambudvipa
In ancient Indian cosmology, the Indian subcontinent was part of a larger region known as “Jambudvipa” (Dvipa – island called Jambu) which was one of the continents surrounding the central cosmic mountain, Mount Meru.
Hindustan
The term “Hindustan” has its origins in Persian and Arabic. It was used to refer to the land to the east of the Indus River (Sindhu in Persian). The term “Hindustan” – land of the Hindus – (which referred to those who lived near and beyond river Sindhu) became more widespread during the medieval Islamic period when Muslim rulers referred to the region they ruled as Hindustan.
Al-Hind
As mentioned earlier, during the Islamic expansion into the Indian subcontinent, the Arabic term “al-Hind” was used to refer to the land and people of India.
How do we know these?
It’s important to note that the names used for the Indian subcontinent have evolved over centuries due to interactions with different cultures and civilizations.
The names mentioned above represent some of the prominent historical references to the region. Sources for these names can be found in ancient texts, historical writings, and travel accounts from various civilizations, including Greek, Persian, Sanskrit, Arabic, and others.
Some of the references can be found in texts like the Mahabharata, Puranas, writings of ancient Greek historians like Herodotus and Strabo, Persian historical accounts, and medieval Arab geographies, among others.
What other names was India have?
The Indian subcontinent has been known by various names at different times in history by different civilizations. Some of these names include:
Indos/Indus
As mentioned earlier, the ancient Greeks used the term “Indos” to refer to the people living in the region around the Indus River. The Greek historian Herodotus and other ancient writers mentioned “India” as a distant and mysterious land beyond Persia.
Hodu
The Hebrew term “Hodu” appears in the Old Testament (e.g., in the Book of Esther) and is believed to refer to the Indian subcontinent. It is likely derived from the Sanskrit name “Sindhu.”
Tianzhu
In ancient Chinese sources, including historical texts and Buddhist scriptures, the Indian subcontinent was referred to as “Tianzhu.” This term can be traced back to the early Chinese transliteration of the Sanskrit term “Sindhu.”
Yin-tu
In some Chinese texts, the Indian subcontinent was known as “Yin-tu,” which is another transliteration of the Sanskrit “Sindhu.”
Meluhha/Miluhha
The ancient Sumerians and Akkadians used the term “Meluhha” to refer to the region that is believed to be associated with the Indus Valley Civilization. The term appears in ancient Mesopotamian inscriptions and trade records.
Ophir
In some ancient texts, the Indian subcontinent, particularly the southern regions, was associated with the legendary land of “Ophir”. This name was used by ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible.
Serica
In Greco-Roman geographies, the Indian subcontinent was sometimes included in the broader region of “Serica”, which referred to the land of silk. This term was used to describe regions in East and South Asia, including India.
Taprobane
In some ancient Greek and Roman sources, the Indian subcontinent was referred to as “Taprobane”. However, it’s essential to note that “Taprobane” was sometimes used to describe the island of Sri Lanka, and there was confusion between the two regions in some early geographical accounts.
Sindhustan
In some historical Arabic sources, the name “Sindhustan” was used, which is a combination of “Sindhu” (the Sanskrit name for the Indus River) and “stan” (meaning “land” or “place”).

Lost cities #3 – Muziris: did black pepper cause the demise of India’s ancient port?
Hodu and Hodiya
In the Middle Persian language used during the Sassanian period (224–651 CE), “Hodu” and “Hodiya” were used to refer to the Indian subcontinent.
In some of the early Arab and Persian geographies, the Indian subcontinent was called “Hodu” or “Oyster Island.”

Bhirrana – Wikipedia
Yin-du and Yin-tu
In ancient Chinese sources, the Indian subcontinent was referred to as “Yin-du” or “Yin-tu,” another variation of the transliteration of the Sanskrit term “Sindhu.”
Oupi and Opia
The ancient Greek traveler Megasthenes, who visited India during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya (4th century BCE), referred to India as “Oupi” and “Opia” in his writings.

Mehrgarh – Wikipedia
Tenjiku
In Japan, the term “Tenjiku” was used historically to refer to the Indian subcontinent. The term means “Heavenly Abode” or “Celestial Land” and is found in ancient Japanese texts.
Meliur
In medieval European writings, the Indian subcontinent was sometimes referred to as “Meliur” or “Melior.” These names were based on earlier accounts and travelogues.

Kalibangan – Wikipedia
Argyre
In ancient Greek texts, “Argyre” was used to refer to the Indian subcontinent. The name means “Silver Land” and was likely based on early accounts of India’s wealth.
Sind
In some historical Arab sources, the term “Sind” was used to refer to the region of the Indus River and its surrounding areas.
Lothal – Wikipedia
Why so many variations?
These names often varied based on regional languages, dialects, transliterations, and the time periods in which they were used. Some of these names were used in specific contexts and by different cultures, which adds to the richness and complexity of India’s historical connections with the rest of the world.
The Indian subcontinent has been a land of cultural exchange and trade with various civilizations, which contributed to the diverse range of names used to refer to the region throughout history.
Is India called by different names today?
Today, most countries around the world use names similar to “India” or derivatives of it to refer to the country. However, there are a few exceptions where India is referred to by entirely different names in the local languages. Some examples:
- Pakistan: In Urdu, the official language of Pakistan, India is referred to as “بھارت” (Bhārat), similar to how it is called in Hindi.
- Bangladesh: In Bengali, the official language of Bangladesh, India is called “ভারত” (Bharat), similar to how it is called in other parts of the Indian subcontinent.
- Sri Lanka: In Sinhala, the official language of Sri Lanka, India is called “ඉන්දියාව” (Indiyāva).
- Thailand: In Thai, India is called “ประเทศอินเดีย” (Prathet Indiya).
- Turkey: In Turkish, India is called “Hindistan,” which is derived from the Persian term “Hindustan.”
- Iran: In Persian, India is referred to as “هند” (Hend).
- Egypt: In Arabic, India is called “الهند” (al-Hind).
The vast majority of countries today use names closely related to “India” when referring to the country.
Sreerangam temple – Trichy
The Ranganathaswamy temple in Sreerangam, Trichy (Tiruchirappalli, TN) is an ancient temple is about 200 miles south of Chennai. (Read more here)
The Place Srirangpatna had the name of the Srirangapuri in the early ages later it got the name of the Srirangapatna. The town is an island being surrounded by the river Cauvery. In this town, there is the temple of Sri Ranganatha. (Source)
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, also known as Srirangam Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. It is located on an island in the Cauvery River in the city of Tiruchirapalli (Trichy), in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

The temple is particularly famous for its annual 21-day festival called Vaikunta Ekadashi, which celebrates the victory of Lord Vishnu over the demon king, Bali. During this festival, the temple is decorated with thousands of lights, and devotees come from far and wide to offer their prayers and seek blessings.

The temple is one of the largest and most famous temples in India, covering an area of 156 acres and consisting of seven concentric enclosures, with the main sanctum located in the innermost enclosure. The temple’s history dates back to the 3rd century BCE, and it has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, resulting in a mix of architectural styles.
The temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus, and it attracts millions of visitors each year. It is known for its intricate carvings, sculptures, and artwork, including the famous Garuda mandapa, which has 108 pillars with intricate carvings of mythical creatures and deities. The temple also houses several other smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, including Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva.
































Some interesting facts about the SreeRanganadha Swamy temple:
- The temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu, and is one of the largest temple complexes in India. It covers an area of 156 acres and has 21 gopurams (tower gateways) and 50 shrines.
- The temple is located on an island formed by the Cauvery River and is surrounded by seven walls with a total length of 32,592 feet, making it one of the largest temple fortresses in the world.
- The temple has a rich history and was first built by the Cholas in the 10th century. It was later expanded and renovated by several dynasties, including the Pandyas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagar Empire.
- The temple has a unique feature of having seven enclosures, each with its own gopuram, walls, and gardens. The innermost enclosure is the most sacred and houses the main shrine of Lord Ranganatha.
- The temple has several interesting rituals and festivals, including the Vaikunta Ekadasi, which is celebrated with great pomp and show, and the Adi Brahmotsavam, which is a ten-day festival held in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August).
- The temple has several notable architectural features, including the 236-feet tall Rajagopuram, which is the largest gopuram in Asia, and the 1000-pillar mandapam, which is famous for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
- The temple is believed to be the only temple in India where the deity faces south, rather than east, which is considered auspicious in Hinduism.
- The temple has several legends and myths associated with it, including the story of Lord Rama worshipping Lord Ranganatha before crossing the ocean to Lanka in the epic Ramayana.
Languages!
India is a linguistically diverse country with over 1.3 billion people speaking more than 19,500 languages and dialects. However, according to the 2011 Census of India, the total number of mother tongues spoken in the country is 1,369. Out of these, the top 10 most widely spoken languages in India are:
(Image Source for the header image)
- Hindi – 41% of the population
- Bengali – 8.1% of the population
- Telugu – 7.9% of the population
- Marathi – 7.9% of the population
- Tamil – 6.7% of the population
- Gujarati – 4.6% of the population
- Urdu – 4.2% of the population
- Kannada – 3.6% of the population
- Odia – 3.1% of the population
- Punjabi – 2.9% of the population

Distribution of Language speakers
Below is the sentence “What is your name?” translated into the scripts of the top 10 Indian languages with their English transliteration:
- Hindi: Devanagari script: आपका नाम क्या है?
- How to say it: Āpkā nām kyā hai?
- Bengali: Bengali script: তোমার নাম কি?
- How to say it: Tomar nam ki?
- Telugu: Telugu script: మీ పేరు ఏమిటి?
- How to say it: Mī pēru ēmiṭi?
- Marathi: Devanagari script: तुमचं नाव काय आहे?
- How to say it: Tumacha nāv kāy āhe?
- Tamil: Tamil script: உங்கள் பெயர் என்ன?
- How to say it: Ungaḷ peyar enna?
- Gujarati: Gujarati script: તમારૂં નામ શું છે?
- How to say it: Tamārūṃ nām shuṃ che?
- Urdu: Perso-Arabic script: آپ کا نام کیا ہے؟
- How to say it: Aap ka naam kya hai?
- Kannada: Kannada script: ನಿಮ್ಮ ಹೆಸರು ಯಾವುದು?
- How to say it: Nimma hesaru yavudu?
- Oriya: Odia script: ତୁଙ୍କ ନାମ କେଉଁଠିକ?
- How to say it: Tunka nāma keuthik?
- Punjabi: Gurmukhi script: ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਹੈ?
- How to say it: Tuhāḍā nām kī hai?
The age of these languages varies widely. For example, Tamil is one of the oldest surviving classical languages in the world, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. On the other hand, Hindi is a relatively modern language that emerged in the 19th century.
Most of the major languages in India have their own scripts. For example, Hindi and Marathi use the Devanagari script, while Tamil has its own script known as Tamil script. However, there are some languages that do not have their own script and use the script of another language. For example, Urdu uses the Arabic script, while Konkani and some other languages use the Roman script.
Many Indian languages have their own works of famous literature. For example, the Sanskrit epic poem, the Ramayana, is one of the most famous works of literature in India and has been translated into many Indian languages. Other notable works include the Tamil epic poem, the Silappatikaram, and the Bengali novel, Devdas.
India has a wide variety of dialects in addition to its languages.
For example, Hindi has several dialects, including Bhojpuri, Braj, and Haryanvi. Tamil has several dialects, including Madras Tamil, Coimbatore Tamil, and Tirunelveli Tamil. Other examples of dialects in India include Punjabi, Bengali, and Marathi.
To get an idea about how widely dialects vary – let’s look at Telugu, #3 on the list above – since it’s widely spoken but in a smaller geographic area:
Telugu has several dialects that are spoken in different regions of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Some of the major dialects of Telugu include:
- Andhra dialect: This dialect is spoken in the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, including Krishna, Guntur, and East Godavari. It is considered to be the standard dialect of Telugu.
- Rayalaseema dialect: This dialect is spoken in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, which includes the districts of Anantapur, Kadapa, Kurnool, and Chittoor. It is characterized by its distinctive pronunciation and vocabulary.
- Telangana dialect: This dialect is spoken in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh, which includes the districts of Hyderabad, Rangareddy, and Medak. It has a unique vocabulary and pronunciation that sets it apart from other Telugu dialects.
- Vadaga dialect: This dialect is spoken in the border areas between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. It has been heavily influenced by Tamil and has a distinct vocabulary and pronunciation.
Overall, Telugu is a rich and diverse language with a long history and cultural significance. It is the third most spoken language in India and is widely used in literature, films, and music.
In addition to the top four most widely spoken languages listed above (Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, and Marathi), some other notable Indian languages and their dialects include:
- Tamil – dialects include Madras Tamil, Coimbatore Tamil, and Tirunelveli Tamil
- Gujarati – dialects include Kachchi, Surati, and Kathiawadi
- Kannada – dialects include Mysore Kannada, Mangalore Kannada, and Gulbarga Kannada
- Malayalam – dialects include Travancore Malayalam, Cochin Malayalam, and Palakkad Malayalam.
The term Desi can refer to people of Indian subcontinent origin or ancestry, or it can refer to the cultural practices and products of the region.
Desi food, will include dishes such as biryani, Pongal, samosas, Dosa, Idli, Parantha, Chawal and dal, while Desi fashion may feature traditional clothing styles like sarees, salwar kameez, Dhoti, and kurta pajama.
Desi music may include traditional folk music (dozens of styles), classical music (also several distinct schools), traditional dance (several traditional and ancient styles) and popular movie or music genres like Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood, Mollywood (all different regional language film industry names – a play on the word Hollywood).
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