Why were the indiginous people of North america called Indians?

[Impret-Sir]

Was this a term they used themselves, or was it given to them by the white settlers? Surely its not just because they have darkish skin?

[Clanad]

When Columbus landed on the island of San Salvador in 1492 he was welcomed by a brown-skinned people whose physical appearance confirmed him in his opinion that he had at last reached India, and whom, therefore, he called Indios, Indians, a name which, however mistaken in its first application continued to hold its own, and has long since won general acceptance.  The entire purpose of the westward exploration by Columbus, et al, was a search for a route to the India for trade and riches...

[twiglet4frog]

wow, thats one of them questions i have sort of wondered all my life without ever really asking it, i am glad that there was an answer cos i was intrigued myself

[B00]

Im stunned @ how Clanad gets the answers so quick, please tell me your just  efficient on Google Clanad and not just super <gulp> intelligent?

[jno]

In the maritime museum in Greenwich outside London there is (or used to be) a globe from Columbus's time showing the world as it was thought to be - basically as it is now, but with no Americas. So CC knew the world was round but thought that by sailing west he'd hit India, not realising there were other continents in the way. That's why the West Indies are so far from the East Indies.

[twiglet4frog]

that would explain why getting back from the pub is always longer and more difficult than going, because there are continents in the way!!!

[jno]

more likely incontinents in the way, twiglet

[elgroucho]

I thought it came from indiginous.