Many scholars and historians have concluded that the word 'Hindu' was coined by the ancient invaders who could not accurately pronounce the name of the River Sindhu.+

The term ‘Hindu’ is originally a geographical nomenclature. In the Arabic texts where the term ‘Hindu’ is initially used, refers to the inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent, the land across the Sindhu or Indus River. Al-Hind was, therefore, a geographical identity, and the Hindus were all the people who lived on this land.

Thus, the term ‘Hindu’ was used to describe those who professed a religion other than Islam and Christianity. It is also noteworthy that the use of the word ‘Hindu’ in non-Islamic sources is known probably only from the 15th century A.D.

The term ‘Hindu’ became a term of administrative convenience when the rulers of Arab, Turkish, Afghan, and Mughal origin ― all Muslims ― had to differentiate between ‘the believers’ and the rest.

The word Hindu is derived from the Indo-Aryan and Sanskrit word Sindhu, which means "a large body of water", covering "river, ocean". ... The term 'Hindu' in these ancient records is ethno-geographical and did not refer to a religion. The Arabic equivalent Al-Hind likewise referred to the country of India.

Origin of the word 'Hindu'. Many scholars and historians have concluded that the word 'Hindu' was coined by the ancient invaders who could not accurately pronounce the name of the River Sindhu.  According to Sir Monier Williams, the famous Sanskrit lexicographer, the words 'Hindu' and 'India' evidently do not possess ...

Interestingly the word "Hindu" came into existence because of mispronunciation of a Sanskrit word by the ancient Persians some 3000 to 4000 years ago. The word "Hindu" is not a Sanskrit word. It is not found in any of the thousands of native dialects and languages of India. Neither is it a religious word. It is a secular word...

Hindu means nothing. Hindu and word Hinduism were given by Irani and Persian people who can’t pronoun Sandhu, so they call people opposite side of river Sandhu as HINDU & Hinduism was given by Britishers.

The word 'Hindu' has no meaning actually. Hindu is derived from the word Sindhu in Sanskrit, the historic local name for the Indus River. The word 'Hindu' occurred first as a Persian geographical term for the people who lived beyond the river Indus. Hindu was a geographical term and did not refer to a religion.

People of India are not in contact with their religious history therefore, they believe their inherited beliefs as the ultimate truth. People of India think Hinduism is not Vedic Religion or Sanatana Dharma but it is not so. Vedic Religion or Sanatana Dharma is prior to Buddhism. Hinduism was established after overthrowing Buddhism.

People of India have to liberate themselves from the stranglehold of casteism to realize their original religion is not Hinduism which is full of different caste and creeds but Vedic Religion or Sanatana Dharma. The people should be educated about the historical truth of the religion of Vedas.

People of India are not in contact with their religious history therefore, they believe in Hinduism as their religion.

People of India are sentimentally and emotionally involved with their inherited religion. They think it is irreligious to think or speak that their religion is not ancient Vedic Religion or Santana Dharma.:~Santthosh Kumaar