The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has made major updates to its Class 8 Social Science textbook. The new book, named Reshaping India’s Political Map, talks about Indian history from the 13th to the 17th century and includes topics like the Delhi Sultanate, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Mughals, the Marathas and the Sikhs.
The revised textbook now highlights several events from this period that were earlier not discussed in detail. These include political violence, destruction of temples and schools and military attacks. It also talks about religious intolerance during the rule of some kings.
Akbar, one of the most famous Mughal emperors, is described as a ruler who showed both kindness and cruelty. He reigned as a “blend of brutality and tolerance,” the book talks about the killing of thousands of civilians after his attack on Chittorgarh fort. It also quotes his message celebrating the destruction of temples. “We have succeeded in occupying a number of forts and towns belonging to the infidels and have established Islam there. With the help of our bloodthirsty sword, we have erased the signs of infidelity from their minds and have destroyed temples in those places and also all over Hindustan.”
One chapter carries a clear message: “No one should be held responsible today for events of the past.” NCERT has also added a note called ‘Some Darker Periods in History’, which explains why these events are being discussed in the book.
What’s new in the book
The textbook now says that Alauddin Khilji’s general Malik Kafur attacked several Hindu religious places like Srirangam and Chidambaram. It also says that many kings from the Delhi Sultanate destroyed temples not only for wealth but also because of religious reasons.
The book discusses the jiziya tax, which was taken from non-Muslims during the Sultanate period. It describes the tax as something that caused shame and pressure to convert to Islam. In earlier textbooks, jiziya was simply explained as an extra tax paid by non-Muslims.
About Babur, the founder of the Mughal empire, the book says he was smart and curious but also violent. It mentions how he killed people in large numbers and built “towers of skulls” from the bodies of those he defeated.
Aurangzeb is shown as a ruler whose decisions were political but also influenced by religion. The book says he ordered the destruction of temples in places like Banaras, Mathura, and Somnath, even though he also gave money to some temples at times.
On the other hand, Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is praised in the new textbook. He is called a “master strategist” and “true visionary,” while the older textbook had only mentioned his efficient rule.
Gita and Ramayana in schools
In Uttarakhand, the government is also planning to include Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana in the school syllabus. “In a meeting of the Education department with the Chief Minister, we have tasked NCERT to include Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana in the syllabus to be taught in 17,000 government schools of Uttarakhand,” Dhan Singh Rawat, Education Minister, Uttarakhand told ANI.
Adding to that he said, “Until this is done, students in government schools will recite verses from these texts during daily prayers,” said Uttarakhand Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat.
NCERT’s stand
NCERT said it wants to give a true picture of history, not hide it. “These events really happened and shaped our past. But we are not blaming anyone today for what happened long ago,” the council said in a note. “The goal is to learn from history so we can build a better future.”