Should the BJP's Welcome of NCERT Textbook Revisions on the Mughal Era Be Celebrated While Congress Urges Caution?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJP supports NCERT revisions for historical clarity.
- Congress warns against political motives in education.
- Updated textbook emphasizes religious intolerance and brutality.
- Disclaimer included to address historical accountability.
- New content alters students' understanding of Mughal history.
New Delhi, July 16 (NationPress) The BJP expressed its support for the revisions made by the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to the Class 8 history syllabus, viewing it as a move towards greater historical accuracy. In contrast, the Congress party has raised concerns about the potential for political motivations behind such changes.
NCERT's recent updates to the Class 8 Social Science textbook focus on themes of religious intolerance and brutality during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal eras, sparking a significant political debate.
BJP leader Praveen Khandelwal stated, "The Mughal kings are known for their oppressive reign and the suffering they caused. These harsh realities of their rule have long been concealed. It is essential for the younger generation to learn the truth, which is why I commend the revisions in the NCERT syllabus."
Another BJP figure, Arvind Sharma, noted, "Every change to NCERT materials undergoes a thorough committee review, ensuring that modifications are justified before implementation."
On the other hand, Congress representative Tanuj Punia expressed a contrasting opinion, saying, "In the context of education, adding or removing content without careful consideration is unwise. It’s essential to present facts in a comprehensive and impartial manner so that students can develop their own understanding."
The revised textbook aims to provide a more explicit and honest depiction of crucial historical moments. For instance, Babur is portrayed as a “ruthless conqueror” associated with mass atrocities, while Akbar's reign is characterized as a “mix of brutality and tolerance.”
Additionally, the text emphasizes Aurangzeb’s acts of temple and gurdwara destruction.
To address potential contemporary repercussions, NCERT has added a disclaimer within a section labeled “Note on Some Darker Periods in History,” clarifying that “no one should be held accountable today for past events.”
Part 1 of the refreshed Class 8 textbook, titled “Exploring Society: India and Beyond,” is now being utilized for the current academic year. This represents the first introduction of topics related to the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods to Class 8 students, which were previously included in the Class 7 syllabus.