hindrast

Hindrast is a hypothetical geopolitical concept used in speculative fiction, worldbuilding, and some scholarly discussions to model cultural and political dynamics of the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions.

Geographically, Hindrast is defined variably. In most renderings it encompasses the central plains of the subcontinent and extends into neighboring mountain, plateau, and border regions. The precise boundaries differ by author and scenario and may include parts of present-day India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Afghanistan.

The name Hindrast is a constructed term combining hind, a historical reference to the Indian subcontinent, with rast, a suffix found in several languages that connotes land or realm. The term is not standardized and has no official status.

In literature and theoretical exercises, Hindrast is used to explore topics such as governance, religious and linguistic diversity, trade networks, and interregional relations. It is not an actual sovereign state.

As a fictional or hypothetical entity, Hindrast is described as highly diverse in language, religion, and culture, reflecting the real-world heterogeneity of the South Asian region. Cultural practices, education, and urbanization are varied across imagined subregions.

Narratives place Hindrast with flexible political arrangements—from federations to constitutional monarchies—while economies range from agrarian bases to modern service sectors and industry, depending on the scenario.

Related concepts include Hindustan, South Asia, and worldbuilding practices.