Is India's History Being Erased? NCERT's Controversial Textbook Changes Spark Debate

The Challenge of Writing History

Writing history involves meticulous efforts to recreate past events with a focus on authenticity, accuracy, and objectivity. Historians must utilize available resources without infusing their own biases or preconceived notions. This task is often complicated, especially when historians are influenced by those who fund their work, leading to narratives that may distort the truth. Historical facts must be presented as they occurred, regardless of contemporary preferences. Failure to adhere to this principle results in pseudo-history, which misrepresents the past. Unfortunately, the Indian subcontinent has lacked unbiased historical records for centuries, unlike civilizations such as Egypt or China, which had established scripts much earlier. The limited access to education meant that historical accounts often glorified the ruling elite while neglecting broader societal contributions.

Controversial Changes in NCERT Textbooks

Currently, India faces a significant issue as the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has made substantial revisions to its Class VII Social Science textbooks, eliminating references to the Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate. The updated curriculum introduces new chapters that emphasize ancient Indian dynasties like the Magadha, Mauryas, Shungas, and Sātavāhanas, while also focusing on 'Indian ethos', the Maha Kumbh festival, and various government initiatives. While the intention to highlight underrepresented aspects of history is commendable, there is concern that this may lead to a biased portrayal of Indian history. The revisions are part of the new National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, which aim to promote Indian traditions and local heritage. However, this raises questions about the inclusivity of what constitutes 'local heritage' across different regions.

Criticism and Concerns

The apparent reluctance to address periods of Muslim rule in Indian history was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when the NCERT removed content related to the Tughlaqs, Khiljis, Mamluks, and Lodis, along with a summary of Mughal emperors' contributions. This marks the first instance where all material concerning the Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate has been entirely omitted, creating a significant gap in historical knowledge for future students. This decision has drawn criticism from opposition parties, raising concerns about the potential impact on education and the integrity of historical knowledge.

Additionally, a new chapter titled 'How the Land Becomes Sacred' covers sacred and pilgrimage sites for various religions, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. It highlights significant locations such as the 12 Jyotirlingas and the Char Dham yatra, while also referencing a quote from Jawaharlal Nehru about India's identity as a land of pilgrimages. The textbook suggests that the 'varna-jati system' initially provided social stability but became rigid under British rule, leading to social inequalities. While it notes the participation of 660 million people in the Maha Kumbh, it fails to mention the tragic stampedes that occurred during the event.

The Need for Historical Integrity

NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani's comments regarding the teaching of riots, suggesting that it could foster negativity among children, further illustrate a misunderstanding of historical education. His remarks were made in the context of removing references to the Gujarat riots of 2002. It is crucial for the NCERT to avoid distorting history and to ensure that future generations receive a comprehensive and accurate education.