This is the first of a series o
f blogs that will take you on an incredible journey through India’s past, using the “Pedda Bala Siksha” as our guide. Prepare to discover the legends, philosophies, and epic events that have shaped this vibrant nation.
From Bharata to India: The Legend That Shaped a Nation
Ever wondered why our country is called “Bharata Khandam”? The answer lies in a story of ancient kings and a living, breathing history that refuses to be forgotten. Our story begins not with dates and battles, but with a magnificent figure named Bharata, a ruler so great that his name became synonymous with the land he governed.
The vast region we now call India was once known as Jambudweepa, and its earliest history dates back to the very beginning of creation. The “Pedda Bala Siksha” tells us that the foundation of our society was laid by 14 great men known as Manus. It is from them that we get the name “manavas” or “humans”.
But King Bharata was special. He was a great ruler who governed the entire country fairly and benevolently. His unified rule was so impactful that the land was named “Bharata Khandam” in his honor, and that name has endured through the ages.
Ancient India was primarily ruled by two great royal lineages: the Surya Vamsa (Solar Dynasty) and the Chandra Vamsa (Lunar Dynasty). These kings were not just conquerors; they were protectors of dharma, or righteousness, and they dedicated their lives to this cause. In the coming posts, we’ll dive deeper into the stories of these legendary dynasties.