The name "India" has a long and complex history, with its usage evolving over centuries. It can be traced back to ancient times and has undergone various transformations. Here's a brief overview of how and when the name "India" came into use:

1. Ancient References: The term "India" finds its earliest references in ancient texts. In Sanskrit, one of the oldest languages in the world, the term "Sindhu" referred to the Indus River. The ancient Persians, who had contact with the Indian subcontinent, referred to this region as "Hindu," derived from "Sindhu."

2. Greek Influence: When Alexander the Great and his army invaded the Indian subcontinent in the 4th century BCE, the Greeks referred to the land and its people as "Indos," influenced by the Persian term "Hindu." This marked one of the earliest instances of the name "India" being used in Western literature.

3. Roman and Arab Traders: During the Roman Empire and the rise of Arab traders in the early centuries CE, the name "India" continued to be associated with the Indian subcontinent. Both Roman and Arab accounts referred to the region as "India" or similar variations.

4. European Exploration: In the Middle Ages, as European explorers sought new trade routes to Asia, they used the term "India" to refer to the lands they encountered on the Indian subcontinent. Christopher Columbus famously sought a direct route to "India" when he accidentally discovered the Americas.

5. Colonial Era: The name "India" became firmly established during the colonial period when European powers, particularly the British, ruled over the Indian subcontinent. It was during this time that British India was officially recognized as a single administrative entity known as "British India" or the "Indian Empire."

6. Post-Independence: When India gained independence from British rule in 1947, the name "India" was retained as the official name of the newly formed nation. The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, officially declared the country as the "Republic of India."

Today, "India" is the internationally recognized name for the country. While the name has ancient roots, its widespread adoption and formal use in the context of a modern nation-state date back to the colonial and post-independence eras. It serves as a symbol of the nation's rich history, diverse culture, and its journey from ancient times to a vibrant and independent nation in the modern world.