Why are Native American Indians called Indians while there are Indians in Asia?

Why Native Americans are Called Indians

The term Indian is generally used for people originating from the country of India in Asia. However the Native American Indians have no link with Asia whatsoever. It was Christopher Columbus who headed out on a voyage to South Asia but landed up on America instead and coined the name Indians for the local people. This apparent mistake was soon realized but the name coined by Christopher Columbus remained.

With the passage of time there has been an attempt to develop a sounder name for the original inhabitants of America as they have no link whatsoever with India. This is the reason why you find them being referred to as Native Americans in recent times. However there is a problem with this name too because generally anyone born in America is a Native American. Hence the name Native American Indians remain.

Today the Native American Indians have developed quite a unique relationship with the United States of America. They have retained their tribal and nation structures in part and are also part of the official government of the United States. Their culture still flourishes and has in fact received mass exposure with the advancement in technology. They have also come to be featured in silver screen flicks and television programs.