NCERT Class 8 social science textbook flags ‘brutality’ of Mughals, with no-blame disclaimer
New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has revised its Class 8 Social Science textbook to include content highlighting the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal era, reportedly pointing to "many instances of religious intolerance" during these periods.
The new textbook describes Babur as a “brutal and ruthless conqueror, slaughtering entire populations of cities,” while portraying Akbar’s reign as “a blend of brutality and tolerance.” Aurangzeb, it notes, ordered the destruction of temples and gurdwaras, The Indian Express reported.
To frame the context, the NCERT has included a “Note on Some Darker Periods in History,” and one of the chapters in the book includes a cautionary note that “no one should be held responsible today for events of the past”.
“Understanding the historical origin of cruel violence, abusive misrule or misplaced ambitions of power is the best way to heal the past and build a future where, hopefully, they will have no place,” TIE quoted the note as saying.
Michel Danino, the head of NCERT’s Curricular Area Group for Social Science, defended the revisions, stating that understanding Mughal rulers requires acknowledging the complexities of their personalities. “Akbar himself admits he was brutal in his younger days. We are not demonising Akbar or Aurangzeb, but we have to show these rulers had their limitations and committed cruel deeds,” The Hindu quoted Danino as saying.
Earlier NCERT textbooks did not go into such detail regarding Babur, Akbar, or Aurangzeb, according to reports. In previous editions, content on the Mughal period was part of the Class 7 history textbook.
The changes come as part of a broader curriculum revamp under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the new National Curriculum Framework.
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MP: 12 labourers killed, 20 injured as pick-up van overturns and crashes into SUV
Dhar (MP) (PTI): Twelve labourers were killed and 20 others injured when the pick-up van carrying them overturned and collided with an SUV in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday night, an official said.
The incident occurred at 8:30-9 PM. According to preliminary information, 35 labourers were returning home in a pickup van from Baggad in Dhar district when the driver lost control of the vehicle near Chikliya crossing. The vehicle overturned and collided with an SUV coming from the opposite direction.
"Twelve people died on the spot, while approximately 20 others were injured," said Dhar district's in-charge collector, Abhishek Choudhary.
The seriously injured persons were referred to Indore after initial treatment, he said.
Choudhary, DIG Mayank Awasthi, and police personnel rushed to the spot.
Tirla police have registered a case and are investigating the accident.
