logo
NCERT New Class 8 Social Science Textbook Flags 'Religious Intolerance' In Mughal Era

NCERT New Class 8 Social Science Textbook Flags 'Religious Intolerance' In Mughal Era

NDTV16-07-2025
The NCERT's newly released Class 8 Social Science textbook has sparked attention with its unflinching portrayal of historical figures, including Babur, Akbar, and Aurangzeb, describing episodes of brutality, temple destruction, and religious persecution during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods.
The book, 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond' released this week, is the first in the new NCERT curriculum to introduce students to the Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, Marathas and the colonial era. While earlier versions covered some of these topics in Class 7, the NCERT says the timeline has now been shifted entirely to Class 8, in line with the NCF SE 2023 recommendations.
Describing Babur as a "brutal and ruthless conqueror, slaughtering entire populations of cities", Akbar's reign as a "blend of brutality and tolerance", and Aurangzeb who destroyed temples and gurdwaras, the NCERT's new Class 8 Social Science textbook, which introduces students to the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals, points to "many instances of religious intolerance" during the period.
At the beginning of the book is a section titled 'Note on Some Darker Periods in History', where the NCERT offers context for the inclusion of sensitive and violent events primarily of war, bloodshed. The note urges students to understand "the historical origin of cruel violence, abusive misrule or misplaced ambitions of power" dispassionately and states, "No one should be held responsible today for events of the past."
The textbook on one hand notes the way Babur, the first Mughal emperor, has been referred to in his autobiography as a cultured and intellectual ruler, while also adding that he was a "brutal and ruthless conqueror slaughtering entire populations of cities, enslaving women and children, and taking pride in erecting 'towers of skulls' made from the slaughtered people of plundered cities." In the old Class 7 book, the reference to Babur was to being forced to leave his throne, seize Kabul, and then Delhi and Agra.
While the book notes Akbar's reign as a "blend of brutality and tolerance" for different faiths, it also mentions that "non-Muslims were kept in a minority in the higher echelons of the administration". Akbar is portrayed as having "ordered the massacre of some 30,000 civilians" after the siege of Chittorgarh. The book quotes Akbar's message of victory that boasted about destroying temples and erasing, "We have succeeded in occupying a number of forts and towns belonging to the infidels and have established Islam there. With the help of our bloodthirsty sword, we have erased the signs of infidelity from their minds and have destroyed temples in those places and all over Hindustan."
Aurangzeb's religious policy also comes under scrutiny. While acknowledging scholarly arguments that some of his decisions were politically motivated, the book notes that his farmans (edicts) reveal personal religious intentions. He ordered the destruction of temples in Banaras, Mathura, and Somnath, and demolished Jain and Sikh places of worship.
The book also includes a portion on 'Jiziya', the tax levied on non-Muslims, calling it a source of public humiliation and an incentive for conversion to Islam, in contrast to the earlier Class 7 textbook version which had mentioned it primarily as a financial measure that also offered them protection and exemption from military service, paid along with land tax initially and thereafter separately.
A chapter titled 'Reshaping India's Political Map' explores the Delhi Sultanate era from 13th to 17th century, its rise and fall, as the book mentions marked by political instability and religious violence. It details "attacks on sacred or revered images in Buddhist, Jain and Hindu temples," calling them acts of both plunder and iconoclasm. None of this was mentioned in the old Class 7 NCERT book regarding this period of history.
Alauddin Khilji's general, Malik Kafur, is mentioned as having "attacked key religious centres like Srirangam, Chidambaram and possibly Rameswaram".
These events, which received little to no mention in the old Class 7 NCERT edition, now form part of a broader, more explicit discussion on intolerance and religious persecution during the period.
The chapter also notes that despite this, "Indian society showed adaptability and resilience in rebuilding towns, cities, temples, and other aspects of the economy" during this period under both the Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate.
Similarly, after the section on the Mughal rulers, the book notes that "some of the invaders and rulers mentioned above committed terrible deeds and atrocities," but "it is important to keep in mind that we, today, bear no responsibility for actions of individuals hundreds of years ago".
While the Sultanate and Mughal sections deal with dark themes, the textbook also celebrates resistance and resilience. Chapters on the Marathas, Ahoms, Rajputs, and Sikhs highlight figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Tarabai, and Ahilyabai Holkar, portraying them as visionary leaders who contributed to cultural and political developments.
Shivaji is described as a master strategist in the textbook, who upheld Hindu values while respecting other religions. The book notes his efforts in rebuilding desecrated temples.
The Sikh Gurus also receive substantial space, with their resistance to Mughal oppression highlighted, especially under Aurangzeb.
Beyond its content, the Class 8 textbook takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining history, geography, and civics. Students explore India's electoral system, visit the new Parliament building through illustrations, and discuss real-life issues like why people vote or don't.
The book has also made space for marginalised voices, including tribal and regional uprisings like the Santhal, Kol, and Indigo Rebellions, and has incorporated digital tools, with QR codes linking to additional resources.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Assam's Muslim population may equal Hindus by 2041: Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam's Muslim population may equal Hindus by 2041: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Hindustan Times

timean hour ago

  • Hindustan Times

Assam's Muslim population may equal Hindus by 2041: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday claimed that the Muslim population in the state will be almost equal to Hindus by 2041 if the current growth rate continues. He made the remarks while addressing a press conference following a cabinet meeting in Assam's Dibrugarh city. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that in state, out of the 34 per cent Muslim population, 31 per cent are those who had migrated to Assam.(File/PTI) He added that according to the 2011 survey, the Muslim population in the state was 34 per cent, out of which, 31 per cent were those who had migrated to the state. He claimed that out of the total Muslims in the state, only three per cent were indigenous Assamese Muslims. "This is not my take, it is just the Census result. Today as per the 2011 Census, 34 per cent of the population is Muslim,' Sarma said, when asked whether indigenous people of Assam will become a minority in the state after a few years. "...then the 31 per cent are the Muslims who had migrated to Assam. And if you project that for 2021, 2031 and 2041, you will come to almost a 50:50 position. I am just stating what the statistical census report says," he said. What 2011 census says about Assam's Muslim population As per the 2011 Census, Muslims constituted 34.22 per cent (1.07 crore) of Assam's total population of 3.12 crores, while Hindus made up approximately 61.47 per cent, with a population of 1.92 crore. The BJP has consistently raised concerns over demographic shifts in the state. It points out that the number of Muslim-majority districts rose from six in 2001 to nine in 2011, and claims that it has further increased to at least 11, however, the 2021 census data is still pending, reported PTI. In 2001, Assam had 23 districts. Out of them, six had Muslim-majority population. These were -- Dhubri, Goalpara, Barpeta, Nagaon, Karimganj and Hailakandi. In 2011, the number of districts in the state increased to 27 and the districts with Muslim majority population became nine, which includes Dhubri, Goalpara, Barpeta, Morigaon, Nagaon, Karimganj, Hailakandi, Bongaigaon and Darrang. With inputs from PTI.

History can't be selective: Smriti Irani on NCERT, Mughals, and curriculum debates
History can't be selective: Smriti Irani on NCERT, Mughals, and curriculum debates

India Today

timean hour ago

  • India Today

History can't be selective: Smriti Irani on NCERT, Mughals, and curriculum debates

Smriti Zubin Irani, Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, addressed the ongoing controversies in India's education sector — including the perceived bias in NCERT textbooks and recurring allegations of the BJP promoting the saffronisation of NCERT 'S HISTORICAL STANCEThe debate around NCERT textbooks is not a new one. It existed even during Irani's tenure as Union Minister for Education (then Human Resource Development). When asked whether the BJP is deliberately portraying Mughal rulers, particularly Emperor Akbar, as cruel to offend the Muslim community, Irani responded: "There is a regulated body that develops the NCERT curriculum based on the education policies already in place. Once the framework is laid out, NCERT consults a group of subject-matter experts to draft the chapters.'advertisement However, she added that it would be a grave injustice to history if textbooks only showcased the positives of a ruler like Akbar. 'His rule was replete with both good and bad instances. If you wish to only talk about the good and ignore the controversies, that is not fair.'Irani stressed that the intent is not to bias students, but to equip them with the full picture. 'Curriculum cannot be devoid of historical facts; you cannot, in some way, embellish the curriculum for your own political taste.'THE AKBAR-BABAR-ASHOKA CONUNDRUMAs the interview progressed, Irani was also questioned about the long-standing criticism that the BJP is using NCERT revisions to saffronise education.'The last time I checked, none of the Mughal rulers are members of any political party, nor are they representatives of any government organisation,' she said. 'People say let bygones be bygones, but one should learn to accept the truth about the past — whether good or bad.'When asked if the BJP intentionally downplays the alleged atrocities of rulers like Ashoka while spotlighting those of the Mughals such as Babar, Aurangzeb, or Akbar, Irani replied: 'I don't think any facts about King Ashoka have been hidden, at least not in any history book I've read. But again, I say this — I am not a historian. The people who have done so on the basis of evidence, and these experts can definitely keep their side."- EndsTrending Reel

'Assam's Muslim Population Will Reach 50% In Coming Years': Chief Minister
'Assam's Muslim Population Will Reach 50% In Coming Years': Chief Minister

NDTV

timean hour ago

  • NDTV

'Assam's Muslim Population Will Reach 50% In Coming Years': Chief Minister

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta today said indigenous Assamese people face the threat of becoming minority in their own state due to what the BJP has been claiming "population explosion" of illegal immigrants of Bengali Muslim-origin from Bangladesh. Mr Sarma said that based on empirical data and past census records, the minority population in the state is projected to reach nearly 50 per cent in the coming years. Citing the 2011 census, Mr Sarma said minorities currently constitute 34 per cent of Assam's population. Excluding the 3 per cent indigenous Assamese Muslims, he said the figure of Muslims who migrated to the state stands at 31 per cent. "If you project that on the basis of 2021 and trends seen in 2031, you arrive at an almost 50-50 population position. This is not my take. I am just stating what is in the statistical census report," the chief minister said. To a question by the media on Wednesday, Mr Sarma said that despite his best efforts, to the point where his "life will end", it would not be easy to clear large hectares of encroached land in Assam. He referred to the state government's drive against encroachment of government, forest and satra lands in the state. "29 lakhs bighas (9 lakh acres) of land were encroached upon in Assam till today. My life will finish, but it will not get vacated. An eviction drive will soon begin at Uriamghat in Golaghat. Encroached land will be clear in eastern Assam," He said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store