Mughal rulers' harsh rule is detailed in a new NCERT textbook, with the book's head of social science stating that history should not be sanitized.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released a new Social Science textbook titled 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond' for Class 8th in the 2025-26 session. This textbook, a departure from previous editions, offers a comprehensive exploration of Indian history, geography, economy, and governance from the 13th to the mid-19th century.
One of the key aspects of the new textbook is its nuanced portrayal of the Mughal Empire, which is described as a period of "a blend of brutality and tolerance" for different faiths. The book highlights the reign of Akbar, noting both the violence and the tolerance during his rule.
Compared to previous textbooks, the new edition presents a more detailed account of the Mughal period, including episodes of religious conflict, iconoclasm, and the destruction of religious sites. A new section, "A Note on Some Darker Periods in History," provides context for understanding these sensitive topics dispassionately, stating that no one should be held responsible today for past events.
Dr. Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, an expert in Muslim politics and history, has expressed concerns about the new textbook, stating that things are being done with a clear ideological view and there are certain distortions in the new textbook. He finds the disclaimer to be a little contradictory, as it might further prejudices against the minority community.
The textbook also covers the Maratha's, who are seen as having contributed substantially to India's cultural developments. However, it is important to note that the book portrays Babur as a "brutal and ruthless conqueror," Akbar's reign as a "blend of brutality and tolerance," and Aurangzeb as someone who destroyed temples and gurdwaras.
Michel Danino, Head of NCERT's Curricular Area Group for Social Science, asserts that they are working on a completely different foundation and everything is different, including the curriculum framework, mandate, pedagogy, syllabus, etc. He emphasizes that their business is to do honest history, which means they have to look at what happened truthfully. The NCERT has defended the content of the textbook, stating that the facts presented are based on well-known primary and secondary academic sources.
Previously, Mughal history was removed from Class 7th to 12th as per the rationalised syllabus in the 2023-24 session, but it has now been reintroduced in the new textbook. The book also includes a chapter on Cultural Currents from the 13th to the 17th century, although it could not be made ready in time and will be included in part two of the textbook.
The syllabus points towards the Delhi Sultanate period with "many instances of religious intolerance." The book refers to "jiziya," a tax imposed by the Mughals on non-Muslim subjects for protection and exemption from military service, as a source of public humiliation and an incentive for subjects to convert to Islam.
In conclusion, the new NCERT Social Science textbook for Class 8 offers a more balanced and detailed approach to Indian history, covering both the darker periods and the contributions of various dynasties and communities. While it has received some criticism, the NCERT has defended the content, stating that it is based on well-established academic sources.
- The new Social Science textbook by NCERT for Class 8, 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond', includes a section on 'Cultural Currents' from the 13th to the 17th century as part of its comprehensive exploration of Indian history and culture.
- Complementing the focus on history, the textbook also delves into 'A Note on Some Darker Periods in History', providing a balanced understanding of sensitive issues, including religious conflict and iconoclasm that occurred during the Mughal period.
- The textbook's presentation of key historical figures, like Akbar, Babur, and Aurangzeb, in the context of their impact on Indian politics, education, and self-development, reflects the general-news interest in the nuanced portrayals of the past.
