Let us clear at the outset that we perceive Indic civilization in two phases: 1) the Harappa/Sarasvati phase; and 2) the Ganga valley phase. In terms of literature the first phase can be called Rgvedic while the second one is Puranic. The whole discussion is delineated in following sections: A. European scholars on Central Asia as cradle of human civilization, B. Rgvedic Central Asia: its geography and archaeology, C. Recorded human history begins from Central Asia, D. Avestan Geography: the Airyanem vaejo Vanhuya Daityaya or Vedic
Saptasindhu.