The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has made notable changes in the Class 8 Social Science textbook, incorporating references to religious intolerance during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods. The NCERT released Part 1 of the Social Science book for Class 8, 'Exploring Society: Indian and Beyond'.
New descriptions of historical rulers
The updated textbook now describes key historical figures in a revised manner-
- Babur is referred to as a "cruel conqueror".
- Akbar is portrayed as a "mixture of tolerance and cruelty".
- Aurangzeb is noted for "demolishing temples and gurdwaras" during his rule.
Contextual note added on historical accountability
The textbook now includes an important note advising readers not to hold present-day individuals or communities accountable for historical events. The note reads, "No one should be blamed today for the actions of the past."
NCERT statement
"The events...(and many more) did happen and left their mark on Indian history; the rationale for including them has been explained in the 'Note on Some Darker Periods in History'. The historical account given, while it does not sanitise history, is balanced and entirely evidence-based. Besides, in addition to the 'Note on Some Darker Periods in History', a cautionary note has been inserted in one of the chapters to make it clear that no one should be held responsible today for events of the past. The emphasis is on an honest approach to history with a view to drawing from it important lessons for a better future," the NCERT said in a statement.
