India
In the Bible, "India" is typically associated with the region known as "Hindu," which refers to the vast subcontinent in South Asia. The term appears in the context of the ancient world, most notably in the Book of Esther, where it is mentioned in Esther 1:1: “Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over a hundred and twenty-seven provinces.” Here, "India" signifies a vast territory under Persian rule, illustrating the extent of the empire during Ahasuerus's reign.The Hebrew word used in the context of "India" is "Hodu" (הוּדוּ), which in some translations refers to the region known for its wealth and trade. This aligns with the historical significance of India in ancient trade routes, particularly with regard to its spices, textiles, and precious stones. Moreover, the mention of India in the Bible conveys a sense of the far-reaching influence and connections of ancient civilizations, highlighting the interconnectedness of trade and cultural exchanges across regions. Overall, the biblical reference to India serves to illustrate both the geographical scope of empires and the cultural interactions of the time.