Explained | Why NCERT dropped Maratha Empire map from Class 8 Social Science textbook

Following Jaisalmer royal family’s objection over inaccuracies, map was withdrawn from Hindi version of the textbook.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has quietly withdrawn a controversial map from its Class 8 Social Science textbook ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond Part-I’, after facing criticism over historical accuracy.

The move comes after objections were raised by members of former royal families in Rajasthan and political representatives, who argued that the map misrepresented regional history.

The now-withdrawn map from NCERT’s Class 8 Social Science textbook

What was the controversy about?

The issue centred on a map in Unit 3 (page 71) of the July 2025 edition of the textbook, which depicted the territorial extent of the Maratha Empire in 1759. Critics pointed out that the map showed the princely state of Jaisalmer and, by extension, parts of Rajasthan, as falling under Maratha control.

The controversy was first flagged in August 2025 by Chaitanya Raj Singh Bhati, the 44th Maharawal of Jaisalmer, who called the depiction “historically misleading” and “factually baseless.”

In his initial response, he wrote, “The NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook… depicts Jaisalmer as part of the then Maratha Empire… which is historically misleading, factually baseless, and gravely objectionable.”

He further argued that no credible historical records support claims of Maratha dominance, taxation, or interference in Jaisalmer.

In a tweet posted in August 2025, Bhati wrote, “Such unverified and historically unsubstantiated information not only casts doubt on the credibility of institutions like NCERT but also wounds our glorious history and public sentiments. This issue is not merely an error in a textbook but appears to be an attempt to tarnish the sacrifices, sovereignty, and heroic saga of our ancestors.”

Soon, the issue was not just confined to Jaisalmer alone, as other former royal families in Rajasthan also objected to the portrayal of their regions as part of the Maratha Empire, including BJP MP Mahima Kumari Mewar, MLA Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, former Union minister Jitendra Singh of the erstwhile Alwar royal family, and Brigadier (retd) Bhupesh Singh Hada from Bundi. 

They submitted representations to the central government, arguing that the portrayal lacked historical backing and misrepresented multiple regions across Rajasthan. The broader concern was that such depictions could distort students’ understanding of regional histories.

What changed now?

Bhati recently confirmed that the map has been removed from the Hindi digital edition (November 2025 version) of the textbook, calling it a “welcome step.”

In his follow-up statement, he said, “We hope that in the future as well, special attention will be given to the authenticity of facts and historical accuracy.”

“History is a subject deeply connected to our cultural heritage, self-respect, and public sentiments. Therefore, any presentation should be impartial and fact-based, rather than agenda-driven.” he added.

However, NCERT has not issued a detailed public clarification explaining the rationale behind the removal.

The map has, however, been removed from the digital edition of the Hindi version of the textbook. A footnote on page 70 now states that a revised version of Map 3.11 will be included in the next edition.

On the other hand, the original map continues to appear in the English version of the textbook as of now.

(Translation) A revised version of Figure 3.11 will be included in the next edition of this textbook.

Not the first NCERT controversy

This is not the first time the book ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond’ has sparked controversy. Earlier, NCERT had to withdraw the entire Part-II of the Class 8 textbook following strong objections from the judiciary.

The textbook drew criticism for highlighting “corruption” within the judiciary “within various stages” and for highlighting structural issues affecting courts in India. The Supreme Court soon intervened, imposing a blanket ban on the book.

In response, the council decided to withdraw the entire Part-II of the textbook, and also issued a public apology for the said chapter.