Harappa is an archaeological site in Punjab, Pakistan, about 24 km (15 mi) west of Sahiwal. The site takes its name from a modern village located near the former course of the Ravi River which now runs 8 km (5.0 mi) to the north.

**The Origin of the Name Harappa**

The Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was named after one of its major archaeological sites, Harappa. This ancient city was discovered in the 1920s by archaeologists under the guidance of Sir John Marshall during excavations in the Punjab region of present-day Pakistan. Let's delve into the details of how the civilization got its name.

**Discovery of Harappa**

1. During the early 20th century, British and Indian archaeologists were actively searching for evidence of ancient civilizations in the Indian subcontinent.
2. In 1920, archaeologist Daya Ram Sahni discovered the remains of a long-forgotten civilization while excavating the site of Harappa, situated along the Ravi River in present-day Pakistan.
3. The site contained well-planned streets, brick houses, and a sophisticated drainage system, indicating the existence of a highly advanced urban civilization that thrived around 2500 BCE.

**Naming the Civilization**

4. Following the discovery of the Harappa site, the civilization that once flourished there needed a name to distinguish it from other ancient cultures.
5. Archaeologist Sir John Marshall, who led the excavations, decided to name the civilization after the site where it was first discovered – Harappa.
6. This naming convention was common in archaeology, as many ancient cultures and civilizations were named after prominent archaeological sites associated with their existence.

**Significance of the Name**

7. The name "Harappa" has since become synonymous with the entire Indus Valley Civilization, which stretched across a vast region comprising present-day Pakistan and northwestern India.
8. Harappa, along with another major archaeological site called Mohenjo-daro, provides valuable insights into the lifestyle, technology, trade, and social organization of the Harappan civilization.
9. The name Harappa also helps in identifying and categorizing artifacts and archaeological findings associated with this ancient civilization.

In conclusion, the Harappan civilization derived its name from the archaeological site of Harappa, which was discovered during excavations in the 1920s. Archaeologist Sir John Marshall, who led the excavations, decided to name the civilization after this site. The name "Harappa" has since become widely recognized and serves as a reference point for the entire Indus Valley Civilization.