logo
NCERT map shows Jaisalmer as part of Maratha Empire, courts royal rage

NCERT map shows Jaisalmer as part of Maratha Empire, courts royal rage

Time of Indiaa day ago
Jaisalmer/Kolhapur: A Class 8 NCERT social science textbook featuring a map that shows fort city Jaisalmer as part of the Maratha Empire has led the scions of Rajasthan's erstwhile royal families to contest the depiction as "wrongful" and "malicious", pitting them against historians from Maharashtra who cite "documentary evidence" to back what they claim is historically accurate.
Chaitanya Raj Singh, the current titular Maharawal of Jaisalmer, tagged Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on X, urging him to have the "erroneous" and "agenda-driven content" rectified.
The map appears on Page 71 of Unit 3 — 'Rise of Marathas' — in the textbook 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond'.
"In the context of the Jaisalmer princely state, no authentic historical sources mention any Maratha dominance, invasion, taxation, or authority.
On the contrary, our royal records clearly state the Marathas never had any interference in the Jaisalmer princely state," he wrote.
Brig Bhupesh Singh Hada (retired), head of the former royal family of Bundi, had been first off the blocks, disputing the portrayal of Rajput princely states as part of the Maratha empire and going as far as declaring the Maratha empire a fictitious entity.
Rajsamand's BJP MP Mahima Kumari Mewar and her MLA husband Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, who is a descendant of Maharana Pratap, joined in the backlash, as did Congress's former Union minister Jitendra Singh, a member of the erstwhile Alwar royal family.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
This new air conditioner cools down a room in just seconds
News of the Discovery
Undo
"First misrepresented as being under the British, now as under Marathas — who is going to educate the educationists in NCERT?! Are they capable of presenting the factual history of India; seriously doubt it," Mahima Kumari wrote on X.
Jitendra Singh said "historical evidence" shows that Maratha influence in Rajasthan was "limited to raids".
"There is no question of dominance or expansion. Distorting history on religious or regional grounds turns facts into myths.
This mistake made by NCERT is an attempt to undermine the valour, independence and cultural contribution of the valiant rulers of Rajasthan," he said.
"It's a historical fact that in the 18th century, the princely states of Rajasthan — be it Marwar, Mewar, Bikaner, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Jaisalmer, Alwar or others... were all able to maintain their independence and autonomy. In the 18th century, the powerful Rajput kingdoms of Rajasthan and the Jat state of Bharatpur were famous for their independent governance, military strength, and cultural identity.
These rulers constantly struggled to maintain their autonomy against the Mughals, Marathas, and later the British," he added.
But Maratha historians say the depiction is accurate, mentioning records from the 18th century such as the 1752 pact between the Mughal Empire and the Marathas to buttress the claim.
NCERT director Dinesh Prasad Sakhlani and Gouri Srivastava, head of the department of education in social sciences at the National Council for Education Research and Training, hadn't responded to calls and texts from TOI till late on Tuesday.
Historian Pandurang Balkawade from Pune referenced the NCERT map showing the expanse of the Maratha Empire, including tributary states denoted in a specific colour, and cities governed by the Marathas and their allies. Although Jaisalmer is not explicitly mentioned, the map includes Rajput princely states, indicating Maratha reach from Peshawar to Cuttack in Odisha.
Indrajit Sawant, a Kolhapur-based historian, said, "Rajputana came under influence of the Marathas after the Marathas started domination over the Mughal Badshah.
Marathas used to run the Mughal empire and the Rajput states came under it. The Rajputs were jagirdars of the Mughals. They were made to mandatorily pay taxes. Though the Marathas didn't have day-to-day control over the Rajput states, there were deployments to ensure the terms were followed.
"
Balkawade pointed to the "Ahadnama", a pact between Mughal Badshah Ahmad Shah Bahadur and Maratha warriors Malharrao Holkar and Mahadji Shinde for Nanasaheb Peshwa in April 1752, as evidence of Maratha authority over Rajput states.
"There are multiple sources and documents that provide a detailed description of the 'Ahadnama', the pact signed between Safdar Jung on behalf of the Mughal emperor and Shinde-Holkar on behalf of the Peshwa at Kannauj. The wazir of the Badshah went to Kannauj, where Shinde-Holkar were planning to go south. He brought the message of the Badshah that Ahmed Shah Abdali was marching towards Delhi, and he wanted the Marathas to protect the Badshah and his empire.
As per the pact, the Marathas had to protect the emperor from internal enemies like the Pathans, Rajputs or other rebels and external foes like Afghan king Abdali. The Marathas were given Rs 50 lakh for this. The Peshwa was given the right to levy chauth from Punjab, Sindh, and Doab, and the Peshwa was also granted viceroyalty of Agra and Ajmer," Balkawade said.
He said records from the Peshwa administration indicate regular collection of chauth from regions including Ajmer (Mewar), with one document showing Rs 13 lakh collected as tax.
Other areas from which chauth was collected include Delhi, Agra, Ujjain (Malwa) and Odisha. Following the Badshah's death, Mahadji Shinde installed Shah Alam, who had been held for six years in Allahabad fort, on the throne in 1771, becoming Naib Vakil-i-Mutaliq, deputy regent of the empire.
Balkawade also pointed to the disputes within the royal families of Jodhpur and Jaipur regarding succession. "The Marathas adjudicated in both post-1752, and in Jodhpur, Bijaysingh ascended the throne, and in Jaipur, Madhavsingh ascended. Both the new rulers joined the Maratha empire. This should not sound against Rajputs; Marathas fought against alien invasion to protect everyone, which led to the unification of Hindustan.
Mahadji Shinde controlled Delhi for 23 years, and the pact signed in 1771 helped him stop the British from taking control during his reign."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

MyVoice: Views of our readers 7th Aug 2025
MyVoice: Views of our readers 7th Aug 2025

Hans India

time24 minutes ago

  • Hans India

MyVoice: Views of our readers 7th Aug 2025

K'taka CM must shun pro-Muslim bias This refers to the editorial 'One-upmanship of the bizarre kind in Karnataka'. It has become a trend of sorts in Karnataka, especially by the ruling Congress government to perpetually keep alive the legacy of Tipu Sultan, including by irrationally crediting Tipu as the builder of Kannambadi Dam. Tipu Jayanthi came into controversy, promoted by the Congress government that was vehemently opposed by the level-headed citizens of Karnataka for Tipu's anti-Hindu ways that the government attempted to catapult him to the status of 'India's freedom fighter' having fought the British. It is important that the Siddaramiah government desists from the overt Muslim appeasement to the consternation of Hindus in the state. This excessive pro-Muslim pampering mentality on part of the Congress will cost it dearly in its greed for power. K R Parvathy, Mysuru Flood management is the need of the hour Every year during the monsoon season, several states in India face disasters like floods. Recently, a devastating flood in Uttarakhand caused widespread destruction. In these circumstances, a comprehensive and forward-looking flood management system is extremely necessary for the country, where the frequency and intensity of floods have been increasing by the year. On one hand, unregulated urban development, obstruction in the natural flow of rivers, and blocked drainage systems make floods more destructive. On the other hand, the lack of early warning systems and protective infrastructure puts people's lives at serious risk. Hence, flood management must include preparedness before the disaster, relief efforts during and after the flood, and long-term rehabilitation measures. To achieve this, it is essential for institutions like IMD, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), ISRO's satellite services, and modern survey technologies to provide quick and accurate forecasts. Additionally, it is crucial to deep-clean riverbeds and remove encroachments around riverbanks. Public awareness is also important. The time has come for us to approach floods with a scientific mindset. Dr Jitesh Mori, Kutch Onus on GHMC and HYDRAA engineers Nature's fury has been causing massive damages and claiming many lives for decades together. Same goes with heavy rains, which wreak havoc and bring normal life to a standstill. Our experienced engineering professionals in GHMC and HYDRAA must use the latest technology to clear all underground drainage lines and manholes that are blocked or leaking, using detectors and sensors. Like done by blood banks and organ donation camps, the engineers must create many open water storage tanks and canals to collect rainwater, which can subsequently flow into rivers. Surficial repairs will be a waste of money. We need permanent solutions. Officials from HYDRAA and the GHMC should rely on the latest infrastructure and make life easy and safe for the citizens of the twin cities. G Murali Mohan Rao, Secunderabad-11 Proper planning can check manmade disasters The visuals of flash floods causing a near-total destruction of a village, Dharali, and loss of scores of human lives in Uttarakhand are heart-breaking. The rescue operations by various governmental agencies are laudable. Now it's time to dwell deep into the root causes of such disasters, which are happening regularly in the Himalayan region. The eco-sensitive zone must be kept away from so-called development with unplanned constructions. The quantity of destruction may be due to sprouting of unplanned constructions. There should be proper planning to mitigate manmade disasters both in frequency and severity. Dr DVG Sankara Rao, Vizianagaram-535003

'Bogus' voters: Mamata Banerjee defies EC action on Bengal poll officials; calls commission BJP's ‘bonded labourer'
'Bogus' voters: Mamata Banerjee defies EC action on Bengal poll officials; calls commission BJP's ‘bonded labourer'

Time of India

time36 minutes ago

  • Time of India

'Bogus' voters: Mamata Banerjee defies EC action on Bengal poll officials; calls commission BJP's ‘bonded labourer'

JHARGRAM/KOLKATA: CM Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday escalated Bengal's direct face-off with the Election Commission , saying she would not act against the four state officers the EC wanted suspended. "Two of my officers were suspended with a notice on Tuesday. Under what law was the notice issued? You have asked them to be suspended and lodge FIR against them. It will not happen. I will not let the suspension happen. Are you trying to intimidate the officers?" Banerjee asked after leading a "Bhasha Andolan" rally in Jhargram. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata The EC on Tuesday suspended four state officers - two electoral registration officers (EROs) and two assistant electoral registration officers (AEROs) - and asked chief secretary Manoj Pant to lodge FIRs against them and start disciplinary proceedings. The officers had, prima facie, failed to block the entry of bogus voters into the voters' list, the EC said in its letter to Pant. The four were working in Baruipur (East) and Moyna assembly constituencies. The CM on Wednesday asked officers not to be "afraid". We know how to protect and will protect you even at the cost of our lives. There is still a long way to go for the assembly election," she said, asking the EC: "And you have already started suspending my officers?" Stating that it was her duty to protect not just state officers but their families as well, the CM said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Beautiful Female Athletes Right Now Undo "State employees can rest assured. You work for people all day. It is our duty to look after you and your families," she said. The CM also alleged that the EC was nothing but the BJP 's "slave" and was working to make the Bengal voter list "a BJP voter list" like the party's "bonded labourer". "Are you not ashamed? Show your power. You are acting like (union home minister) Amit Shah's agents. He thinks whatever he wants will be done. He does not listen to Ambedkar, Rabindranath or Nazrul. Who are you? You won through deception. Have you forgotten that you did not get a simple majority (in the 2024 Lok Sabha poll)?" Banerjee asked the BJP before referring to the Maharashtra assembly election, where the party was accused by the Congress of inflating its votes by manipulating the voters' list. "You increased your votes all of a sudden. We will not let you remove voters' names from Bengal with the EC's help," she added. Banerjee also asked the six Bengal residents, who got notices from the Assam Foreigners Tribunal, not to go to Assam. "They will put you in detention centres if you go to Assam to respond to the NRC notices. We will arrange for lawyers for you," she assured them.

Trump's tariff gamble puts America's ties with India at risk
Trump's tariff gamble puts America's ties with India at risk

Time of India

time40 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Trump's tariff gamble puts America's ties with India at risk

President Donald Trump has staked enormous political capital on being the one to end the war in Ukraine, even asserting that he could do so "in 24 hours." In perhaps his biggest gamble yet to achieve that goal, he pledged Wednesday to punish India with tariffs of 50% for buying Russian oil. At stake is the relationship between the United States and an increasingly important strategic partner in Asia. India, the world's most populous democracy, and the United States, its most powerful one, have an unusual relationship. They are friendly but not close, brought together by mutual interests and shared values, especially in recent decades. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program On Wednesday, Trump seemed ready to ditch that relationship. He doubled already hefty tariffs on Indian exports to the United States for its steadfast refusal to stop buying oil from Russia, in an effort to pressure Russia to end the war. Trump has accused India of helping Russia finance its war on Ukraine through oil purchases; India has said it needs cheap oil to meet the energy needs of its fast-growing economy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Indonesia (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now India called the additional tariffs "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable," pointing out that it was being punished for doing something -- buying Russian oil at a discounted price -- that other nations have done, although it didn't mention names. China is the largest buyer of Russian oil, and Turkey has also deepened its energy links with Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine, without incurring similar penalties. Analysts said Trump's pressure tactics could damage the long-standing ties between India and the United States. Live Events "We are better off together than apart," said Atul Keshap, a retired U.S. diplomat and president of the U.S.-India Business Council. "The partnership forged by our elected leaders over the past 25 years is worth preserving, and has achieved considerable mutual prosperity and advanced our shared strategic interests." It's difficult to quantify what exactly America would lose if its relationship with India cools. India is a valuable strategic partner for the United States, acting as a counterweight to China. It is also important to many American companies, including Apple, which has shifted some manufacturing of its products to India from China. Ajay Srivastava, a former trade official at the Global Trade Research Initiative, a New Delhi-based think tank, said the U.S. action "will push India to reconsider its strategic alignment, deepening ties with Russia, China and many other countries." India and the United States, along with Japan and Australia, are part of a diplomatic partnership called the Quad, set up largely to counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. India is planning to host the Quad Leaders' Summit later this year. Trump was expected to attend, although it's now unclear if he will. For India, the costs of a damaged relationship may prove to be higher. Trump's move puts Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a bind. Russia is the source of 45% of its oil imports. If India stops buying Russian oil, accepting higher prices for consumers and domestic manufacturing, it would be politically damaging for Modi's government. If it ignores Trump's threat and continues buying Russian oil, the hit to India's economy will be far costlier. The higher tariffs could cut India's more than $86 billion in exports to the United States by half, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative, an Indian research group. The United States is India's biggest trading partner, and exports account for nearly 20% of India's economy. India ranks only 10th among American trade partners in goods. India has also come to value American backing for its bid to be recognized as a global superpower. Modi has touted his relationship with Trump, courting the U.S. president during his first term in office and calling him a "true friend." But that friendship, as many American allies have learned, may mean little when Trump's own priorities are at stake. In recent weeks, Trump announced that he had struck deals with Japan, Korea and the European Union, but even after months of negotiation, India had not reached an agreement. India was reluctant to make concessions on politically sensitive sectors like dairy and agriculture. India also publicly denied Trump's repeated claims that he helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after a brief, four-day conflict between the two neighbors in May. India has maintained that the ceasefire was negotiated bilaterally with Pakistan, and Indian leaders bristled at Trump's willingness to insert himself into that bitter rivalry. It is not yet clear whether the punitive tariffs Trump has threatened will ever take effect. In the executive order he issued Wednesday, Trump said the tariffs would be implemented within a month, but he could modify the order if circumstances changed. The order included a provision that the United States would look at other countries' purchases of Russian oil as well. So far, there is no indication that Trump intends to take a similar approach to China, which is the biggest buyer of Russian oil. Chinese and U.S. officials are in the middle of sensitive negotiations about potential trade agreements after an initial round of retaliatory tariffs threatened to destabilize the global economy. With his tariff moves against India, Trump is keeping his eye on big strategic goals -- a deal with China, and keeping the pressure on Russia before a potential meeting with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, which he disclosed Wednesday. Far from being "a dead economy," as Trump called it, India is the fastest-growing large economy in the world. But its place on the president's list of priorities may be much less certain.

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