The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced significant content changes in its Class 8 Social Science history textbook as part of the National Education Policy 2020. The revised edition reflects a shift in tone and perspective regarding rulers from the Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, and the Maratha Empire.
In the updated version, historical events from the Delhi Sultanate to the British Empire have been presented with a critical lens, often describing the period as a “dark chapter” marked by violence, oppression, and religious extremism. The book now portrays incidents involving temple desecration, forced conversions, and brutal massacres more explicitly than earlier editions.
Key updates include:
- Delhi Sultanate: The book details how Alauddin Khilji’s general Malik Kafur targeted Hindu religious centres like Srirangam, Madurai, Chidambaram, and possibly Rameswaram. The Sultanate period is described as one of attacks on temples and idol destruction, often aimed at eradicating idol worship.
- Jizya Tax: Previously described as a tax on non-Muslims, the revised explanation calls it a discriminatory levy that humiliated non-Muslims and pressured them into adopting Islam to avoid the tax.
- Babur: Once shown merely as a displaced ruler who captured Kabul and later Delhi, Babur is now also described as a ruthless conqueror who carried out mass killings and proudly built “towers of skulls.”
- Akbar: The book recognizes both his tolerance and cruelty, referencing the massacre of around 30,000 civilians after the Chittorgarh fort siege. It cites Akbar’s own victory letter claiming destruction of temples and imposition of Islamic rule. However, it also notes that non-Muslims rarely held top administrative roles despite Akbar’s inclusive policies.
- Aurangzeb: While some scholars view his actions as politically motivated, the book highlights his orders to destroy temples in Varanasi, Mathura, Somnath, and Jain temples, as well as Sikh gurdwaras.
- Jahangir and Shah Jahan: They are portrayed as patrons of art and architecture, with Shah Jahan remembered for building the Taj Mahal. However, the succession war following Shah Jahan’s illness is noted for Aurangzeb’s betrayal and imprisonment of his own father.
- Maratha Empire: A separate chapter highlights Shivaji as a visionary, strategic leader, and devout Hindu who respected all religions. He is credited with temple reconstruction and significant contributions to India’s cultural legacy. Earlier, Shivaji was simply presented as the founder of a strong Maratha state with an effective administration.
A cautionary note has been added to the book encouraging students to study these chapters without bias or blame, but with a view to learning from the past and imagining a future free of such violence and division.
