The introduction of the new Class 6 social science textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has sparked widespread debate, centering on the decision to refer to the Harappan Civilisation using alternative names such as “Sindhu-Sarasvati” and “Indus-Sarasvati.” This shift in nomenclature has drawn sharp criticism from left-wing academics and political commentators, who argue that these changes reflect an underlying Hindutva agenda rather than academic rigor. However, Michel Danino, the French-born Indian scholar who led the NCERT committee responsible for drafting the textbook, has robustly defended the terminology, asserting its legitimacy and grounding in established archaeological research.
The controversy stems from the textbook’s adoption of the terms “Sindhu-Sarasvati” and “Indus-Sarasvati” as alternatives to the more commonly known “Harappan Civilisation” or “Indus Valley Civilisation.” Critics, particularly those aligned with left-leaning academic circles, argue that these terms are being promoted to align with the ideological leanings of the current government, which has been accused of pushing a Hindutva-driven narrative in various aspects of Indian society, including education. They assert that the renaming serves to emphasise a cultural continuity from the ancient Sarasvati River, mentioned in the Vedas, to present-day Hindu civilisation, thereby intertwining historical and religious narratives.
In response to the uproar, Michel Danino, a respected scholar of Indian history and culture, has come forward to clarify the rationale behind the use of these alternative names. In an exclusive interview, Danino explained that the decision was based on long-standing archaeological evidence and academic scholarship, not on any political or ideological influence.
“The decision to include alternative names like ‘Sindhu-Sarasvati’ and ‘Indus-Sarasvati’ for the Harappan civilisation is neither new nor driven by any political agenda,” Danino stated. “This terminology has been used by several prominent archaeologists and scholars over the years. For instance, Professor Jonathan Mark Kenoyer of the University of Wisconsin, British archaeologist Jane McIntosh, and the late Raymond Allchin, one of the foremost authorities on the archaeology of the Indian subcontinent, have all referred to these terms in their scholarly works.”
Danino also pointed to the contributions of French archaeologist Jean-Marie Casal, who referenced the Sarasvati River in the context of the Harappan Civilisation. Furthermore, Gregory Possehl, a renowned American archaeologist, dedicated several chapters to the Sarasvati River in his seminal book The Indus Age. “This terminology is based on established archaeological scholarship, not on any recent political influence,” Danino emphasised. “So, this is not a Hindutva thing. Moreover, we have included all alternative names to ensure that students receive a well-rounded understanding of the civilisation.”
The new textbook represents a significant shift in how social sciences are taught to young students in India. Unlike previous editions, which had separate textbooks for History, Political Science, and Geography, the new Class 6 textbook integrates these subjects into a single comprehensive volume. The textbook is organised around five key themes: ‘India and the World: Land and People,’ ‘Tapestry of the Past,’ ‘Our Cultural Heritage and Knowledge Traditions,’ ‘Governance and Democracy,’ and ‘Economic Life Around Us.’
Danino described the inclusion of alternative names for the Harappan Civilisation as a “good first step” in the direction of providing students with a more accurate portrayal of India’s ancient history. He hinted at future expansions of the textbook, with additional chapters that will further delve into the complexities of the civilisation and its broader cultural impact.
The debate over the textbook coincides with recent groundbreaking archaeological discoveries that challenge the traditional timeline of the Harappan Civilisation. In July 2023, a team of researchers from Deccan College Pune and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) uncovered human remains at the ancient site of Rakhigarhi in Haryana’s Hisar district. These remains, dating back approximately 8,000 years, suggest that the Harappan Civilisation could be significantly older than previously thought.
Rakhigarhi, recognised as one of the largest Harappan sites, has yielded evidence of an advanced urban settlement that included large, multi-roomed houses, courtyards, and an intricate drainage system. The excavations also uncovered textiles, including a shawl and a skirt, providing insights into the clothing and lifestyle of the ancient inhabitants.
“This research has found strong evidence that the Harappan civilisation is 7,000 to 8,000 years old,” stated Dr. Prabhodh Shirwalkar, an assistant professor at Deccan College Pune who was part of the excavation team. “It is agreed that there was human habitation or civilisation in our country 8,000 years ago, and the people back then were as advanced as they are in present times.”
The inclusion of terms like “Sindhu-Sarasvati” and “Indus-Sarasvati” in the NCERT textbook, alongside these new archaeological discoveries, may have far-reaching implications for how India’s ancient history is perceived and taught. By emphasising the Sarasvati River, a river that has held significant cultural and religious importance in India, the textbook appears to align historical discourse with a broader narrative that acknowledges the deep-rooted connections between ancient civilisations and modern India.
