No Mughals or Delhi Sultans: NCERT revamps Class 7 Social Science books again
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has unveiled a major revision in its Class 7 Social Science textbooks for the academic session 2025-26, dropping chapters on the Delhi Sultanate and Mughals and introducing new sections focused on ancient Indian dynasties, pilgrimage sites, and cultural traditions.Students will now study from a single consolidated textbook, Exploring Society - India and Beyond (Part 1), replacing earlier separate books for History, Geography, and Civics (Social and Political Life). According to officials, Part 2 of the textbook is expected to be released later this year to cover the remaining syllabus.The first part of the new book focuses on five broad themes: India and the World, Tapestry of the Past, Our Cultural Heritage and Knowledge Traditions, Governance and Democracy, and Economic Life Around Us.HISTORY CONTENT ENDS WITH GUPTA ERAUnlike the old History textbook that began from the 7th century and covered medieval rulers like the Delhi Sultans and the Mughal Empire, the new book stops at the Gupta dynasty period between the 3rd and 6th centuries AD.Chapters now emphasise the Mauryan Empire, Ashoka's reign, and the political landscape of ancient India.The dynasties of the Shungas, Satavahanas, Chedis, Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras are prominently discussed, giving students a deeper look into early Indian kingdoms and cultural developments.NO MENTIONS OF SULTANS, MUGHALSFor now, topics covering the Delhi Sultanate, Mughal rule, and their administrative systems have been left out. It remains uncertain whether Part 2 will include these periods.This marks a shift from earlier syllabus rationalisations during the pandemic, where references were trimmed, but not completely deleted.MAHA KUMBH, PILGRIMAGE SITES ADDEDA new chapter titled 'How the Land Becomes Sacred' introduces sacred sites from various religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and Sikhism.The text highlights the Kumbh Mela, mentioning the massive participation of 660 million pilgrims, though it skips mention of tragic incidents like the 2013 stampede.FOCUS ON INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMSThe new content extensively references ancient Indian scholarship, such as Kautilya's Arthashastra, Panini's grammar, Aryabhata's astronomy, and the Gupta Empire's scientific contributions.Sanskrit terms are used with diacritical marks to ensure correct pronunciation.The varna-jati system is described as an early social structure that became rigid over time, especially under British rule, leading to inequalities.CONTROVERSY BREWSThe changes have drawn criticism from several quarters, with opposition parties accusing the NCERT of pushing a political narrative.NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani had earlier defended the deletion of information on the Gujarat 2002 riots from textbooks last year by saying that avoiding references to violence and conflict would help create "positive citizens".NCERT officials maintained that the current book is only Part 1, and further chapters are expected in Part 2, though they did not confirm if omitted portions will be included later.Check out the full NCERT Class 7 Social Science textbook (Part 1) here.(With PTI inputs)
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