Correct Option
The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The nomenclature of the Indian subcontinent has historical roots in both indigenous texts and foreign interactions. The names 'India' and 'Bharat' evolved through geographical references by Persians and Greeks, as well as tribal identities mentioned in early Vedic literature.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The word 'India' is etymologically derived from the river Indus. In Sanskrit, this river is known as Sindhu. Foreign travellers and invaders first encountered this river, leading to the derivation of the name.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Iranians and the Greeks, who arrived through the northwest approximately 2500 years ago, were familiar with the Indus. They referred to the river as the Hindos or the Indos. However, they used the term 'India' to denote the land to the east of the river, not the west.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The name Bharata was originally used for a distinct group of people (a tribe or clan) who lived in the north-west region of the subcontinent. This group is explicitly mentioned in the Rig Veda, the earliest composition in Sanskrit (dated to about 3500 years ago). Later, the name was applied to the country as a whole.
Key Takeaway: The name 'India' is a geographical descriptor used by foreigners for the land east of the Indus, while 'Bharat' originates from a specific Rig Vedic tribe located in the north-west.