Michel Danino Stands Firm on ‘Sindhu-Sarasvati’ Naming for Harappan Civilisation

The new NCERT Class 6 Social Science textbook, Exploring Society: India and Beyond, has ignited controversy over its use of the terms “Sindhu-Sarasvati” and “Indus-Sarasvati” for the Harappan Civilisation. Critics, particularly from left-leaning circles, argue that this renaming reflects the government’s alleged “Hindutva agenda.” Michel Danino, chair of the NCERT committee that developed the textbook, has robustly defended these changes, insisting that they rely on historical and archaeological scholarship, not political motives.

Defense of Michel Danino 

Michel Danino, an authority on ancient Indian history, rejects claims that the new terminology in the textbook has political motivations. In a recent interview, Danino emphasised on the decision to use “Sindhu-Sarasvati” and “Indus-Sarasvati”. They are alternative names for the Harappan Civilisation stemming from well-established archaeological research. He cited the work of renowned archaeologists such as Professor Jonathan Mark Kenoyer, Jane McIntosh, the late Raymond Allchin, and Jean-Marie Casal, who all use these terms in their scholarly work.

“This terminology relies on established archaeological scholarship, not on any recent political influence. So, this is not a Hindutva thing. Moreover, we included all alternative names. To me, this is factual,” Danino stated.

He described the inclusion of these names as a “good first step” toward a more accurate representation of India’s ancient history.

A Broader Approach to Social Science Education

The controversy centers on the newly introduced textbook, which consolidates subjects like History, Political Science and Geography into a single Social Science framework. The textbook is organized into five thematic sections. They are:

• 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.

This integrated approach aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of society, blending historical and contemporary perspectives.

Critics view the use of alternative names for the Harappan Civilisation as an attempt to align ancient history with modern political narratives. The term “Sarasvati” connects the Harappan Civilisation with the Vedic Sarasvati River.

Unveiling Ancient Rakhigarhi

The debate over the textbook’s content coincides with groundbreaking discoveries at the ancient site of Rakhigarhi in Haryana’s Hisar district. Researchers from Deccan College, Pune, and the Central Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have uncovered evidence. It suggests that the Harappan Civilisation dates back approximately 8,000 years, indicating a far earlier timeline for the civilisation.

Excavations at Rakhigarhi revealed an advanced settlement. It is complete with large, multi-bedroom houses, a sophisticated drainage system, and evidence of textiles such as shawls and skirts. These findings challenge previous assumptions about the timeline and sophistication of the Harappan Civilisation.

“This research found strong evidence that the Harappan civilisation dates back 7,000 to 8,000 years. Scientists from the Department of Archaeology of India and Deccan College collaborated on the project. They agree that human habitation or civilization existed in our country 8,000 years ago,” said Prabhodh Shirwalkar, assistant professor at Deccan College Pune.

Educational Narratives at the Crossroads

As the controversy over the textbook’s content continues, it showcases how India’s ancient history should be presented to the next generation. Michel Danino highlights the importance of grounding educational content in historical scholarship.

The introduction of the terms “Sindhu-Sarasvati” and “Indus-Sarasvati” reflects a growing recognition of the complexity and depth of India’s ancient past. However, it also raises questions about the role of politics in shaping educational narratives.