ABSTRACT
Place names are a human endeavour to grasp and fix the identity of various elements of a habitat within the rubric of a single word. The words ‘Vishvakarma at Indra’s behest’ confirm India’s influence on place names across the seas. Place names are repositories of historical and cultural associations. A well-conceived name is, and should be, able to capture the essence of a place. This is because associations get codified within the name. A Postal Index Number (PIN) is a code designed to help route the mail to locations without the use of place names. In India, the PIN is a six-digit number that locates a place. Names help locate and differentiate between places. A place has a way of weaving its ‘name’ into an endless variety of products, goods, discoveries and communities. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
