Question

Why are American People were known as Red Indians in anciet times ?

Answer 1

at first columbus went on out on his ship following a path which he thought would lead him to india. instead he landed in america near indiana and his first thought after seeing the americans that the are red indians. ever since then during the ancient times people called the inhabitants of america red indians

Answer 2

Before Columbus discovered America there were a number of people who inhabited the North American continent.  Some of the people were Cherokees and Iroquois and a few more races.   They were red skinned. They were the original native Americans,
 
Europeans were more pale skinned than Americans.  Columbus set out for discovering a route to India.  India was famous at that time.  Many of the orient people were referred to as Indians. 

 After the discovery of Americans, the Europeans addressed the Americans as red Indians.  In spite of it not being correct, it continued for a long time.  Later, the use of word "red Indians " is banned as it indicates some racial discrimination.  The use of words "native Americans" or "American Indians"  is recommended.