Photo: NCERT textbooks
- The decision by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to reduce content in chapters on the ‘Mughal Empire’ from class 12 history textbooks and the renaming of places in India has ignited a heated debate about the erasure of historical narratives and cultural identities.
- This decision, part of a “syllabus rationalization” exercise, has prompted concerns about the potential impact on students’ understanding of India’s diverse history.
The NCERT, India has decided to deduct portions of contents in history and political textbooks to rationalize syllabus but what sparks this controversy is the specific selection of topics that seem to re-write the history of India.
What changes have been made?
- Removal of Chapters on Islamic Lands, Politics, and Democracy– Grade 11 textbooks no longer include chapters on Central Islamic Lands, Confrontation of Cultures, and The Industrial Revolution.
- Controversial Paragraphs Omitted from Class 12 Political Science Textbooks– Certain paragraphs on Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination by Hindu extremist Godse and Gandhi’s efforts for Hindu-Muslim unity have been removed from the Class 12 Political Science textbooks.
- Deletion of references to the Gujarat riots (Communal riots under BJP-ruled state), key deletions on caste, discrimination & minorities. Content on Muslim rulers had suffered the deepest cuts! – Ritika Chopra
Why were these changes made?
“There was a rationalization process last year because due to COVID, there was pressure on students everywhere,” the NCERT director told Asian News International.
With context to this, Senior journalist Ravish Kumar raises an ironic question regarding the removal of certain paragraphs addressing the Gujarat riots and the extremist attack on M.K. Gandhi. Kumar humorously questions how the omission of these specific topics can significantly reduce the ‘educational burden’ for students. Additionally, he highlights the contradiction that while references to the Mughals have been purged from history textbooks, the country’s Prime Minister continues to unfurl the national flag on Independence Day from the Red Fort, constructed by the Mughal leader Shah Jahan.
Reactions to the Changes
While some leaders applaud these changes as an opportunity to present an alternative perspective, critics express concerns about the potential impact on students’ understanding of India’s past and the need for a balanced approach to historical education.
- All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the removal of Mughal history from the NCERT syllabus, highlighting China’s renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh as a contrasting development.
- BJP leader Kapil Mishra lauded the move, claiming that the initiative would shed light on the “truth” and that the Mughal rulers were being referred to as “thieves.”
- Member of Parliament Kapil Sibal makes a satirical tweet:
Renaming Locations under BJP Rule
In recent years, the renaming of places has been observed across India, with Hindu-centric names replacing those reflecting Muslim heritage. One notable change occurred in 2018 when the city of Allahabad was renamed Prayagraj, drawing its reference from the Hindu pilgrimage site located there. While certain institutions like the Allahabad High Court and the University of Allahabad have retained their original names, the BJP has undertaken a broader effort to rename towns, streets, and even stadiums.
Photo: RSS activists cover the Allahabad Railway Junction board with a poster of ‘Prayagraj’.
Ashraf Ahmed, a 30-year-old Muslim IT business owner laments the elimination of his city’s original name, emphasizing that it erodes the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage. “We’ve lived for hundreds of years together — Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and others,” he says, speaking in the shadow of his local mosque.
History Never Says Goodbye, It Says See You Again
The changes they enact may be small. But over time, the consequences may be big. Historian Eduardo Galeano says, “History never says goodbye, it says see you again.” As these changes unfold, it is essential to recognize the long-term consequences of these actions that affect the understanding of Islamic contributions to India’s past. Ultimately, history never truly disappears; it continues to shape our present and future narratives.
