The Removal of Mughal History from NCERT Textbooks

Introduction

The removal of Mughal history from NCERT textbooks has been a topic of controversy and debate in India. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is responsible for creating and publishing textbooks for schools across India.

In 2016, it was reported that the NCERT had decided to remove certain portions of Mughal history from its textbooks, including references to the Mughal emperors Akbar and Aurangzeb. The decision was met with criticism from some who argued that it was an attempt to rewrite history and promote a particular political agenda.

The NCERT defended its decision, stating that it was based on recommendations from a committee of historians who had reviewed the textbooks. The committee had reportedly suggested that certain portions of Mughal history be removed or modified to provide a more balanced view of Indian history.

The NCERT also clarified that the removal of certain portions of Mughal history did not mean that the Mughal era was being ignored or downplayed in its textbooks.

Despite the NCERT’s explanation, the decision to remove portions of Mughal history from its textbooks has remained controversial. Some have argued that it is part of a larger effort to promote a particular version of Indian history that downplays the contributions of certain groups, including Muslims. Others have argued that it is important to provide a more balanced view of Indian history that takes into account the perspectives of different groups.

In recent years, there have been calls to revisit the decision to remove portions of Mughal history from NCERT textbooks. Some have argued that it is important to provide a more comprehensive view of Indian history that includes all perspectives, including those of the Mughal era. Others have raised concerns about the politicization of history and the need to ensure that textbooks are not used to promote a particular political agenda.

In conclusion, the removal of Mughal history from NCERT textbooks has been a topic of controversy and debate in India. While the NCERT has defended its decision, many have argued that it is important to provide a more comprehensive view of Indian history that includes all perspectives.

The debate over the role of history in shaping national identity and politics is likely to continue in India and around the world.