What do I call India?

Question

The drop-down list for Birthplace gives India (1950-) but I can find no clue as to what is required before 1950. I have been using India, is this OK? I'm sure it was called India at that time (1800-1950).

Answer 1

Hi Peter,   India is fine or Republic of India   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India

Comments

Thanks Maria, is it possible to get the drop-down list extended to include an earlier date than 1950 then, otherwise it just causes confusion? (and I am easily confused)

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I don't think it was a Republic prior to the 1950s, because it was part of the British Raj.  It was known as Hindustan for a long time (can't tell you how long without looking it up and I already have too many Trove tabs open).  It is also known as Bhārat.  My ex-husband was born in India post independence.

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Peter, that list comes from familysearch and WikiTree has no control over it.  It is only there as a suggestion - we are not expected to blindly follow it all the time.

I believe there was a very wise man in China who is responsible for our frequent confusion.  His name is often misspelled (see bold letters), to further cloud the issue … I'm sure you've heard of Confuseus.

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Confuseus.

commented by Gaile Connolly

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GROOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAN  

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Aw c'mon Melanie - cut me some slack.  I'm still running a pint low on caffeine.

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Ahhh .... I knew it originated from Familysearch (I have just had a long discusion with a PM about "England, United Kingdom") but I thought perhaps it grew as people added to or corrected it. I will know better in future.

I'll ignore your second paragraph!

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Good idea Peter - many things I say are better ignored!

Answer 2

Wikipedia has more info 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/India

Comments

Thank you, yes, I had read that article and it seems to imply the use of "India" by it's use of the term "Indian Rebellion" What it doesn't tell me is what Wikitree would like me to use prior to 1950 (I am entering mainly 19th century British Citizens).