In a significant update, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released the first part of its revamped Class 7 textbooks, with notable changes reflecting India’s cultural and philosophical heritage. The updated books, released this week, have removed all references to the Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate, opting instead to focus on Indian traditions, philosophies, and local contexts in line with the new National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023.
The textbook revision aligns with the NEP’s vision of incorporating Indian knowledge systems and traditions into school curricula. Consequently, chapters related to the Mughals, including the dynasties of Tughlaqs, Khaljis, Mamluks, and Lodis, have been dropped. Previously, the NCERT had trimmed sections on these topics during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of its syllabus rationalisation, but the new editions go further by removing all references to these historical periods.
Instead, the revised Social Science textbook, “Exploring Society: India and Beyond,” introduces fresh content, with a strong emphasis on ancient Indian dynasties such as the Magadha, Mauryas, Shungas, and Satavahanas. The focus in these chapters is primarily on “Indian ethos,” bringing forward the rich traditions and philosophies that shaped India’s past.
Another significant addition to the textbook is a new chapter titled “How the Land Becomes Sacred.” This chapter delves into the concept of sacred geography, exploring locations considered holy by various religions.
These include the 12 Jyotirlingas, the Char Dham Yatra, and Shakti Pithas, along with sacred rivers, mountains, and forests revered across India. The chapter highlights pilgrimages not only in India but also in other parts of the world, covering religions such as Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
The updated textbooks also include a quote from India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who once described India as a land of pilgrimages, from the icy peaks of Badrinath and Amarnath to the southern tip at Kanyakumari.
When contacted, NCERT officials confirmed that this release is just the first part of the updated textbooks. The second part, expected in the coming months, will likely contain further revisions, though they did not comment on whether the removed sections will be reinstated.
These changes reflect a broader trend in Indian education, where a concerted effort is being made to integrate more of India’s indigenous knowledge and historical contributions into the classroom. As the country navigates through a post-pandemic phase and focuses on self-reliance and national identity, the emphasis on local traditions, sacred practices, and national pride appears to be at the forefront of the new educational direction.
This revision marks a key moment in India’s ongoing efforts to redefine its educational framework and to build a curriculum that reflects its rich cultural history, aiming to instill pride and understanding among the next generation of students.
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