Education
NCERT Labels Mughals Brutal, British as Looters; Gita & Ramayana May Join Curriculum
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will introduce significant changes in its Class 8 Social Science syllabus starting next academic year. New language in the “Exploring Society: India and Beyond” textbook now describes Babur as “ruthless and brutal”, Akbar as “brutal but tolerant”, and highlights countless episodes of religious intolerance during the Sultanate and Mughal eras, while also characterizing British colonialists as looters of India’s wealth
In addition, the Uttarakhand government has petitioned NCERT to include verses from the Bhagavad Gita and excerpts from the Ramayana in state school textbooks and morning assemblies for its nearly 17,000 government schools
What’s New in the Textbook?
- Babur is called “brutal and ruthless,” accused of massacring civilians and creating towers of skulls
- Akbar’s reign is presented as a mix of cruelty and tolerance
- Aurangzeb is portrayed for re‑introducing the jizya, destroying temples and gurdwaras, coupled with his military tactics
- The British are explicitly described as plundering India’s treasure .
To maintain balance, NCERT adds a footnote in the section “Note on Some Darker Periods in History”, emphasizing that these depictions are for understanding, not blame—no one today should be held responsible for centuries-old events
Context & Curriculum Shift
- The revised Class 8 textbook reflects a new approach under the National Curriculum Framework 2023, shifting Mughal history from Class 7 to 8 and adopting a more chronological and thematic structure
- NCERT also integrates chapters on modern topics like AI, the Gaganyaan mission, and India’s Ganga river heritage
Gita & Ramayana Inclusion Request
- Uttarakhand’s Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat confirmed that post-revision, students will recite verses from the Gita and Ramayana during prayers until formal inclusion in textbooks occurs
- This move aims to strengthen ethical values and revive India’s spiritual-cultural foundations within education .
The Debate & Controversy
- Critics argue that the heavier focus on Mughal brutality and British looting signals a troubling shift toward “saffronisation” or ideological bias
- Proponents support a balanced narrative that addresses both achievements and darker chapters of Indian history, citing the neutralizing footnotes .
Why This Matters
| Reason | Impact |
|---|---|
| Historical awareness | Teaches students about violence, conquest, and colonial exploitation |
| Cultural identity | Integrates classical Indian texts for moral grounding |
| Educational balance | Combines factual history, modern science, and ethical learning |
| National discourse | Sparks debate over how India’s history should be taught |
Final Take
NCERT’s updated syllabus seeks to present a nuanced and comprehensive picture of Indian history—not just celebrating its heroes, but also confronting its brutality and colonial exploitation. The proposed inclusion of Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana content reflects efforts to revitalize moral education. As the debate continues, this reform will shape how future generations understand India’s past and values.