Controversy Surrounding NCERT's Decision to Remove Mughal Chapters from Class 7 History Textbook

1. EDUCATION Controversy Surrounding NCERT's Decision to Remove Mughal Chapters from Class 7 History Textbook   BYMOHIT-KUMAR-SHARMA APR 04, 2023 15:34 

3. In March 2021, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in India announced that it would remove references to the Mughal emperors from its Class 7 history textbook. This decision has been met with both support and criticism from various quarters. The NCERT is responsible for developing and publishing textbooks for students in schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and other state education boards in India. The Class 7 history textbook, titled "Our Pasts - II," covers Indian history from the Mauryan period to the end of the Mughal empire. According to the NCERT, the decision to remove references to the Mughal emperors was taken after consultations with experts and feedback from teachers and students. The NCERT cited the need to reduce the curriculum load and focus on key themes and concepts as the reason for the removal of these chapters. The move has been criticized by some historians and academics who argue that the Mughal period is an important and integral part of Indian history and cannot be simply removed from textbooks. They also argue that the decision is politically motivated, as the Mughal emperors were Muslim rulers and their removal is seen as part of a wider effort to promote a Hindu nationalist agenda. On the other hand, some supporters of the decision argue that the Mughal period has been given undue emphasis in Indian history textbooks and that the removal of these chapters will help students focus on other important periods and themes in Indian history. They also argue that the decision is not politically motivated, but rather based on academic and pedagogical considerations. The controversy surrounding the removal of the Mughal chapters highlights the ongoing debates about the role of history in shaping national identity and the politics of history education in India. While it is important to ensure that history textbooks are balanced and objective, it is equally important to ensure that they are not used to promote a particular political agenda or ideology. It remains to be seen how the removal of the Mughal chapters will affect history education in India and whether it will have broader implications for the way Indian history is taught and understood. Ultimately, the challenge for educators and

4. policymakers is to strike a balance between academic rigor, historical accuracy, and cultural sensitivity in history education. ALSO READ Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw The Legendary Indian Military Commander - This Year Educate Yourself and Develop Your Skill with EasyShiksha Online Courses with Certificate - Authorised certificate recognized everywhere TAGS:NCERTINDIAN EDUCATION SYSTEMHISTORY EDUCATIONMUGHAL EMPERORSPOLITICS OF HISTORY EDUCATIONCULTURAL SENSITIVITY