The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recently revised its Class 7 textbooks, removing all references to the Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate. The new version of the textbook, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, focuses on showcasing dynasties and topics that reflect “Indian ethos.” This includes adding chapters on ancient Indian dynasties like the Mauryas, Shungas, and Sātavāhanas, and sacred pilgrimage sites across various religions, such as Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Sikhism.
This revision has faced criticism, particularly from opposition parties, who have accused the NCERT of “saffronisation,” suggesting that the changes align with the agenda of the ruling party. Previously, some content related to the Mughals and Delhi Sultanate was trimmed during the syllabus rationalisation process, but this is the first time that all references to these empires have been completely removed.
One of the new additions is a chapter called “How the Land Becomes Sacred,” which discusses pilgrimage sites like the Char Dham yatra, the 12 Jyotirlingas, and “Shakti pithas.” Another new chapter touches on the history of the “varna-jati” system, describing how it once provided social stability but became more rigid, especially under British rule, leading to inequalities.
The revised textbook also touches on modern topics like the significance of the national flag and the Supreme Court ruling in 2004, which made it a fundamental right for citizens to fly the national flag at their homes.
While NCERT officials confirmed these changes, they indicated that the second part of the updated textbooks is yet to be released, and they did not clarify whether the removed content would be reintroduced in the next edition.
The revisions also come after previous controversies, including the removal of sections related to the 2002 Gujarat violence, with NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani suggesting that teaching about riots could negatively impact young students.
