The term “Indian” may relate to a member of the native, indigenous or aboriginal  Americans commonly referred to “Red Indians” and also to the “West Indians” or the “Indian Indians.” An assumption is that on visiting the East Indies, Columbus called its inhabitants as “Indios.” A root of “Indians” is Hindu literally meaning “black,” but mainly standing for the Hindu religion. From it has been coined “Hindustan” which is another name for “India.” It is not known exactly if the great River Indus has something to do with the name “India.” By far the most commonly understood meaning of “Indians” is the inhabitants of the subcontinent of India before 1947 and the citizens of the State of India after it. It is in this perspective that “Famous Indians of India” in history will be reviewed.


1. Chanakya:




Chanakya was born to Canin and Canesvari in the village Canaka in 350 BC. He was the teacher of Chandargupta, the first Emperor of Maurya. In the recorded history of the subcontinent, he was the emperor of entire kingdom. Known also as Kautilya and Vishnu Gupta, Chanakya wrote the oldest Indian  book on politics called  “Arthsastra.” Although he was born centuries before Machiavelli, but on account of his thoughts, he is sometimes referred to as the Indian Machiavelli. Having first been taught at Taksasila, Chanakya taught in the same five centuries old academy. His book Arthasastra was related to economics, welfare, international relations, and war strategies. In another book Neetisastra he enlightened on the social aspects of the Indian lifestyle and also extended some guidance for the rulers. He wrote 216 “Neeti Sutras” as do’s and don’ts for the rulers. Chanakya died in 283 BC.

3.  Mahatma Gandhi:



Mahatma Gandhi, also known as “Bapu” and “Gandhiji” was born to Putlibai (mother) and Karamchand Gandhi (father) in Porbandar, Kathiawar Agency, British-ruled India on October 2, 1869. He was assassinated by a Hindu Nationalist Nathuram Godsey on January 30, 1948. Mahatma Gandhi was a Hindu leader of the highest renown, more known as one of the two most prominent figures of the Indian Independence movement. His philosophy of Satyagrah and Ahinsa advocated non-violence. He led a simple life. He is honored officially as the Father of the Nation, and his birthday is commemorated as a national holiday.

5.  Amitabh Bachchan:



Amitabh Harivansh Bachchan, popularly known as Amitabh Bachchan, was born to Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Teji Bachchan in Allahabad, United Provinces in British India on October 11, 1942. He is the most famous Indian actor, singer, producer, and television presenter. He became known for the first time with his appearance in the Hindi Film Angry Young Man in the 1970s. He has appeared in more than 180 films since then. On account of his outstanding career he has been honored with many awards a few of them being: National Film Award, Film Fare Award, Padam Shiri, and Padma Bhushan Civilian Awards from the Indian Government, Film Fare Lifetime Achievement Award, Superstar of the Millennium 2000, French Highest Civilian Award of France, Knight of the Legion of Honor. The BBC voted him “Greatest Star of Stage or Screen” in 1999. He was the first living Asian to be displayed as a wax statue in Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in London and later on in New York and Hong Kong.