The History and Culture of the Indian People v1.c19.s1.10

v1.c19.s1.10

In conclusion, we must consider also the implication of the term *Saptasindhavaḥ* as used in the *Ṛigveda*. The term means a definite country in *Ṛigveda*, VIII. 24.27, whereas at other places seven streams themselves are intended. According to Max Müller, the seven rivers are the five rivers of the Punjab along with Indus and Sarasvatī. Ludwig, Lassen, and Whitney substitute Kubhā for the Sarasvatī and think that originally the Oxus also must have been one of the seven. Considering that the *Ṛigveda* mentions the Kubhā (Kābul), Gomatī (Gumal), Krumu (Kurram), Suvāstu (Swāt), etc., which lie to the west of the Indus, it is possible that the Rigvedic people knew of the existence of the Oxus. The reasonable view, however, appears to be to take the seven streams to be the Indus, the five streams of the Punjab and the Sarasvatī.