What Did the British Call India?

During their colonial rule, which spanned approximately from 1757 to 1947, the British officially referred to the Indian subcontinent as "India".

The Official Designation: 'India'

The term 'India' was the formal and common name used by the British colonial administration for the vast territory they governed. This designation was consistently applied throughout their presence in the region.

Historical Context of the Name

The adoption of "India" as the official name had historical and geographical roots:

• Timeframe: The British used this name throughout their colonial rule, which extended for nearly two centuries, from about 1757 to 1947.
• Derivation: The name "India" was derived from the Indus River.
• Geographical Significance: The Indus River served as a significant geographical marker, specifically defining the western boundary of the region known as British India.
• Official Use: The British colonial administration formally adopted and utilized "India" as the official name for the entire subcontinent under its control.

Here's a quick overview of the naming convention:

This consistent use of "India" reflected the unified administrative and political entity established by the British across the diverse subcontinent.