Calling Harappan Civilisation 'Sindhu-Sarasvati' Is 'Not a Hindutva Thing,' It Is 'Factual': French-Indian Professor Who Headed NCERT Social Science Panel

The new Class 6 social science textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond has stirred controversy over its use of alternative names for the Harappan Civilization, including “Sindhu-Sarasvati” and “Indus-Sarasvati.” Critics, especially from left-wing academic circles, argue that these terms reflect a Hindutva agenda rather than academic integrity.

French-born Indian writer Michel Danino, a visiting professor at IIT Gandhinagar and chair of the NCERT committee that drafted the textbook, has defended the terminology.

In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express, Danino argued that these names are supported by established archaeological scholarship.

"The decision to include alternative names like ‘Sindhu-Sarasvati’ and ‘Indus-Sarasvati’ for the Harappan civilization is neither new nor driven by any political agenda. Archaeologists, such as Professor Jonathan Mark Kenoyer of Wisconsin University, British archaeologist Jane McIntosh, and the late Raymond Allchin, one of the foremost authorities on the Indian subcontinent, have used these terms in their work." he pointed out.

"Jean-Marie Casal, the French archaeologist, also speaks of the Sarasvati River in the context of the Harappan civilization. Gregory Possehl, the late American archaeologist, dedicates several chapters to the Sarasvati River in his book ‘The Indus Age.’ This terminology is based on established archaeological scholarship, not on any recent political influence," the professor said, adding, "So, this is not a Hindutva thing. Moreover, we have included all alternative names. To me, this is factual."

He called the textbook a “good first step” and revealed that it will be “expanded” with more chapters in the coming year.