‘Traitor' tag for Mir Jafar, Tipu Sultan missing: Controversy erupts over NCERT changes
In the same section under 'The strategy of divide and rule' mentions that 'under the divide and rule policy, the British were equally skilled at exploiting existing divisions within the Indian society, they identified and often encouraged tensions between religious communities.'Although both textbooks continue to teach about the Battle of Plassey, the old textbook explains how trade led to battles through conflicts between the East India Company and the Nawabs after the death of Aurangazeb. The role of nawabs and their resistance has also been reduced as teachings in the new book.REMOVAL OF RULERS OF MYSORE - TIPU SULTAN AND HAIDER ALIAfter the changes in the history of Mughal rule in India, there is the complete omission of Tipu Sultan, son of Haider Ali, rulers of Mysore and the four Anglo–Mysore Wars—sections that were prominently featured in the previous edition.In earlier NCERT social science textbook 'Our Pasts- III , a section explained how the expansion of the East India Company's rule from 1757 to 1857 faced tough resistance from the rulers of Mysore — under Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan, 'the Tiger of Mysore'. Tipu Sultan was portrayed as a significant figure of resistance against British colonial expansion in South India. His administrative reforms, and strategic alliances with the French were all integral parts of the narrative on colonial resistance.However, these elements are now conspicuously absent in the new edition, raising concerns about regional representation. While the new textbook retains coverage of other anti-colonial movements such as the Santhal and Kol rebellions and the Anglo–Maratha Wars.AN EXCERPT FROM THE OLD SOCIAL SCIENCE TEXTBOOKThe "Tiger of Mysore"The Company resorted to direct military confrontation when it saw a threat to its political or economic interests. This can be illustrated with the case of the southern Indian state of Mysore. Mysore had grown in strength under the leadership of powerful rulers like Haidar Ali (ruled from 1761 to 1782) and his famous son Tipu Sultan (ruled from 1782 to 1799). Mysore controlled the profitable trade of the Malabar coast where the Company purchased pepper and cardamom. advertisementIn 1785 Tipu Sultan stopped the export of sandalwood, pepper and cardamom through the ports of his kingdom, and disallowed local merchants from trading with the Company. He also established a close relationship with the French in India, and modernised his army with their help. The British were furious. They saw Haidar and Tipu as ambitious, arrogant and dangerous - rulers who had to be controlled and crushed. Four wars were fought with Mysore (1767-69, 1780-84, 1790-92 and 1799).Only in the last - the Battle of Seringapatam - did the Company ultimately win a victory. Tipu Sultan was killed defending his capital Seringapatam, Mysore was placed under the former ruling dynasty of the Wodeyars and a subsidiary alliance was imposed on the state.Another excerpt on Tipu Sultan reads:Kings are often surrounded by legend and their powers glorified through folklore.Here is a legend about Tipu Sultan who became the ruler of Mysore in 1782. It is said that once he went hunting in the forest with a French friend. There he came face to face with a tiger. His gun did not work and his dagger fell to the ground. He battled with the tiger unarmed until he managed to reach down and pick up the dagger.Finally he was able to kill the tiger in the battle. After this he came to be known as the "Tiger of Mysore" had the image of the tiger on his flag.As educationists and students await Part 2, the debate over representation, regional history, and historical accuracy continues to intensify. NCERT officials have clarified that Part 2 of the textbook, which is yet to be released, may include some of the omitted material. However, no official confirmation or release date has been provided.- EndsMust Watch
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