The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recently updated its Social Science textbooks for Class 6, replacing the term “Harappan Civilization” with “Sindhu-Sarasvati Civilization.” This change has sparked discussions and debates around the reasoning behind it. In an interview with The Indian Express, the head of the NCERT Social Science panel, Dr. Neerja Rashmi, defended the decision, stating that it is based on established scholarship rather than any political agenda.
Established Scholarship Supports the Change of Harappan Civilization
According to Dr. Rashmi, the decision to refer to the ancient civilization as the “Sindhu-Sarasvati Civilization” is rooted in academic research and evidence. She argued that the term “Harappan Civilization” was a colonial construct, as the ancient sites were first discovered in the town of Harappa, located in what is now Pakistan.
“The term ‘Harappan Civilization’ was coined by the British archaeologists who first discovered the sites in Harappa. However, the civilization was not limited to the Indus Valley alone but spread across a much larger geographical area, including the Sarasvati River basin,” Dr. Rashmi explained.
Scholars have long argued that the ancient civilization was not solely confined to the Indus Valley and that the Sarasvati River, which is now largely dry, played a significant role in the development and expansion of this ancient culture. The new textbooks, Dr. Rashmi stated, are reflecting this broader understanding of the civilization’s geographic and cultural spread.
Addressing the Perception of Political Agenda
The decision to replace the term “Harappan Civilization” has raised concerns among some that it may be driven by a political agenda, particularly by the Hindu right-wing. However, Dr. Rashmi firmly refuted these allegations, stating that the change is based solely on academic considerations and not on any political motivations.
“The decision to use the term ‘Sindhu-Sarasvati Civilization’ is not a result of any political agenda. It is simply a reflection of the current scholarly consensus on the geographical and cultural expanse of this ancient civilization,” she said.
Dr. Rashmi emphasized that the NCERT panel responsible for the textbook revisions includes scholars from diverse backgrounds and that the decision was made through a collaborative and rigorous process. She maintained that the panel’s focus was on ensuring the accuracy and relevance of the content, rather than catering to any particular ideological agenda.
Contextualizing the Change
The shift in terminology from “Harappan Civilization” to “Sindhu-Sarasvati Civilization” is part of a broader effort by the NCERT to update and align its textbooks with the latest academic research and findings. This is not the only change made in the new Class 6 Social Science textbook, titled “Exploring Society: India and Beyond.”
The textbook also incorporates other updates, such as a greater emphasis on the diverse cultural and geographical aspects of India, as well as a more comprehensive treatment of the country’s history and social dynamics. The aim, according to Dr. Rashmi, is to provide students with a more nuanced and accurate understanding of India’s rich past and present.
Reactions and Implications
The decision to use the term “Sindhu-Sarasvati Civilization” in NCERT textbooks has sparked mixed reactions. Some praise it as a more accurate reflection of the civilization’s geographic and cultural scope, while others worry it aligns with a Hindu right-wing narrative, potentially biasing the presentation of history. Critics fear this could undermine the secular nature of education.
However, supporters, including Dr. Rashmi, argue that the change is grounded in scholarly evidence and is not politically motivated. They emphasize that it reflects the evolving understanding of this ancient civilization.
The impact of this terminology shift on students, educators, and the broader public remains to be seen, with potential long-term implications for how India’s ancient history is taught and perceived.
Conclusion: Implications for the Future
The implementation of the “Sindhu-Sarasvati Civilization” terminology in the new NCERT textbooks is likely to influence how India’s ancient history is taught and understood. While the debate continues, it is essential to consider the scholarly basis for this change and its potential impact on students, educators, and the broader public.
This update represents a significant shift in historical interpretation and serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of academic research and education. As students and educators adapt to these changes, the focus must remain on providing an accurate, inclusive, and well-rounded understanding of India’s rich history.
