**The Harappan Culture: Also Known as the Indus-Saraswati Civilization**

The Harappan culture, also referred to as the Indus-Saraswati civilization, was one of the most ancient and advanced civilizations of the Bronze Age. This culture flourished in the Indus River valley and its surrounding regions, including the Saraswati River basin, which is why it is commonly known as the Indus-Saraswati civilization. Here are some reasons why this name is used to describe the Harappan culture:

**1. Geographic Extent:**
The Harappan culture was spread across a vast geographical area, covering parts of modern-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The civilization's heartland was situated in the Indus River valley, while the Saraswati River, now largely dried up, formed another important cultural and ecological center for this civilization. Naming it as the Indus-Saraswati civilization acknowledges the geographic extent and significance of these two river systems.

**2. Cultural Interactions:**
The Indus and Saraswati rivers played a crucial role in shaping the socio-economic and cultural aspects of the Harappan civilization. These rivers provided fertile land for agriculture, facilitated trade and transportation, and supported a thriving urban civilization. The naming of the civilization as the Indus-Saraswati civilization recognizes the integral role of both rivers in the development and sustenance of this ancient culture.

**3. Archaeological Discoveries:**
Archaeological excavations and research have revealed numerous Harappan sites along the banks of the Indus and Saraswati rivers. The ruins of major cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, as well as numerous smaller settlements, have been found in these regions. The use of the name Indus-Saraswati civilization reflects the archaeological evidence and association of these sites with the Harappan culture.

**4. Vedic Literature:**
The mention of the Saraswati River in ancient Vedic literature further supports the connection between the Harappan culture and the Saraswati River basin. The Rigveda, one of the oldest texts in Hinduism, describes the Saraswati River as a mighty and sacred river. By using the name Indus-Saraswati civilization, it acknowledges the cultural continuity between the Harappan culture and the later Vedic civilization.

In conclusion, the Harappan culture is also called the Indus-Saraswati civilization due to its geographic extent, cultural interactions, archaeological discoveries, and references in ancient texts. This name encapsulates the significance of both the Indus and Saraswati rivers in shaping and sustaining this ancient civilization.

As this Harappan civilization lies half in the Pakistan n near the indus river