New NCERT textbooks: Mughals, Delhi Sultanate dropped; 'sacred geography', Maha Kumbh added

The new textbooks released this week have been designed in line with the new National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, which emphasise incorporating Indian traditions, philosophies, knowledge systems, and local context into school education.

New Delhi: The NCERT has removed all references to the Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate from Class 7 textbooks, while introducing chapters on Indian dynasties, ‘sacred geography’, Maha Kumbh and government initiatives like Make in India and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.

The new textbooks released this week have been designed in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, which emphasise the integration of Indian traditions, philosophies, knowledge systems and local context into school education.

The Social Science textbook ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond’ has new chapters on ancient Indian dynasties like the Magadha, Mauryas, Shungas and Satavahanas with a focus on “Indian ethos”.

Another new edition in the book is a chapter called “How the Land Becomes Sacred” that focuses on places considered sacred and pilgrimages across India and outside for religions like Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism.

The book has no mention of the Mughals and Delhi Sultanate.

‘Second part expected’

NCERT officials said that this is only the first part of the book, with the second part expected in the coming months. However, they did not comment on whether the removed portions would be included in the second part.

The book introduces the concept of “sacred geography”, detailing networks of revered sites such as the 12 Jyotirlingas, the Char Dham Yatra, and the Shakti Pithas. The chapter also explores sacred locations like river confluences, mountains and forests.

The textbook claims that while the ‘varna-jati’ initially originally contributed to societal stability, it later became rigid, especially under British rule, resulting in inequalities.

The Maha Kumbh Mela held in Prayagraj earlier this year is mentioned in the book, stating that 660 million people participated in the event.

The book also includes a chapter on the Constitution of India, noting that there was a time when people were not permitted to fly the national flag at their homes.