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Key Points

The BJP has enthusiastically endorsed NCERT's recent textbook revisions that offer a more critical perspective on the Mughal era in Indian history. These changes include describing Mughal rulers like Babur and Aurangzeb in harsher terms, highlighting religious tensions and historical brutalities. Congress has cautioned against potential political motivations behind the modifications, emphasizing the need for objective historical representation. The updated Class 8 textbook now provides students with a more direct and unfiltered view of significant historical events.

Key Points: BJP Backs NCERT Mughal Era Textbook Revisions Amid Debate

  • BJP welcomes NCERT's more critical historical portrayal of Mughal rulers
  • Congress warns against politically motivated textbook modifications
  • Updated textbook describes Babur as "ruthless conqueror" with mass killings
  • NCERT includes disclaimer about historical accountability
2 min read

BJP welcomes NCERT textbook revisions on Mughal era depictions, Congress urges caution

BJP supports NCERT's new historical narrative on Mughal period, highlighting religious tensions and historical brutality in Class 8 textbooks

"These dark truths of the Mughal era have been hidden for too long - Praveen Khandelwal, BJP Leader"

New Delhi, July 16

The BJP on Wednesday welcomed the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Class 8 history book revision as a step toward historical clarity, while Congress has cautioned against altering content based on political motives.

NCERT has introduced revisions to its Class 8 Social Science textbook - emphasising "religious intolerance" and "brutality" during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods - political reactions are sharply divided.

Speaking to IANS, BJP leader Praveen Khandelwal said, "We all know how the Mughal kings kept the country enslaved and the kinds of torture they inflicted. These dark truths of the Mughal era have been hidden for too long. The next generation deserves to know the reality, which is why I welcome these changes in the NCERT syllabus."

Fellow BJP leader Arvind Sharma said, "Any change to an NCERT book goes through a committee review, and only after the report is submitted is anything added or removed."

However, Congress leader Tanuj Punia took a different view.

"When it comes to education, it's not good to simply remove or add content. Facts should be presented thoroughly and objectively so that children can understand and form their own judgments," he told IANS.

Meanwhile, the updated textbook aims to offer a more direct and unfiltered view of significant historical events. Among the changes, Babur is described as a "ruthless conqueror" responsible for mass killings, while Akbar's rule is depicted as a "combination of brutality and tolerance."

The chapter also highlights Aurangzeb's destruction of temples and gurdwaras.

To address concerns about contemporary implications, NCERT has included a disclaimer under a section titled "Note on Some Darker Periods in History," stating that "no one should be held accountable today for the events of the past."

Part 1 of the newly updated Class 8 textbook, "Exploring Society: India and Beyond," is now in use for the current academic session. This marks the first time students are introduced to the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods in Class 8, topics that were previously part of the Class 7 curriculum.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As a history teacher, I'm concerned about oversimplifying complex historical periods. Yes, there was violence, but also cultural synthesis. We must present balanced perspectives to students, not just one-sided narratives.
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Arjun K
Congress is just worried their vote bank will be affected. Truth is truth - whether it's Mughal atrocities or British colonialism. Our children should learn real history, not fairy tales!
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Sarah B
I'm an expat teacher in Delhi. While historical accuracy is important, we must be careful not to create divisions among young minds. The disclaimer about not holding people accountable today is crucial.
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Vikram M
Why only Mughals? What about other dynasties that also committed atrocities? History should be comprehensive, not selective. This seems politically motivated before elections 😒
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Kavya N
My grandfather used to tell us stories about how our ancestors suffered during Aurangzeb's rule. It's good that textbooks are finally acknowledging these painful chapters of our past. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Michael C
As an observer, I find it interesting how history is being reinterpreted across the world. India's approach seems similar to what's happening in other countries with contested historical narratives.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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