New Delhi: The NCERT's updated Class 8 social science textbook has replaced previous lessons on the Mughal Empire with those documenting religious persecution and other atrocities committed by the Empire in India, causing controversy.
According to an official announcement from NCERT, "Exploring Society: India and Beyond," which will be used in the academic year 2025-2026, provides a multidisciplinary understanding of history, geography, economics, and governance.
With a disclaimer emphasising that no one should be blamed for the past, the book outlines the wrongdoings of Muslim rulers.
Emperor Akbar has been held responsible for ordering the massacre of 30,000 people after Chittorgarh was seized in 1568; Babur has been portrayed as "a ruthless conqueror"; King Aurangzeb has been accused of ordering the destruction of temples in Somnath and Mathura, while Alauddin Khilji's force is accused of attacking Srirangam and Chidambaram temples, TNIE reported.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been portrayed as a key figure in restoring destroyed temples and preserving Hindu cultural practices, according to the new textbook. It also highlights how Indians faced economic exploitation during both the Mughal and British periods.
In a statement, NCERT clarified that the content in the textbook is grounded in well-known primary and secondary academic sources. To provide context and prevent misinterpretation, a section titled ‘A Note on History’s Darker Periods’ has been included on page 20.
The updated textbook has sparked mixed responses online. Some social media users saw it as a move away from what they described as “Mughal glorification,” while others expressed concern that the line between objective education and ideological messaging is becoming increasingly blurred.
One social media user Mahesh Sahu posted, "Not saffronisation, it’s de-greenwashing of history. It’s just the beginning, the truth must go further."
Another user, Dharmaji Boka said, "History reclaimed: Mughal atrocities revealed!"
X user Anees wrote, "The BJP is turning school textbooks into RSS hatred tools. Intellectuals and opposition should raise a voice against NCERT."
Dr Subair Khan posted, "It’s no longer about facts! It’s about an agenda. The line between education and politics is clearly getting blurred.”