NCERT officials clarified that only the first part of the textbook has been released so far. A second part is expected in the coming months
NEW DELHI — In a major shift, all references to the Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate have been removed from the Class 7 NCERT Social Science textbooks. In their place, new chapters highlighting ancient Indian dynasties, “sacred geography,” the Maha Kumbh mela, and government initiatives like Make in India and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao have been added.
According to reports, the updated textbooks, released this week, align with the National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023. Both reforms stress integrating Indian traditions, philosophies, and knowledge systems into school education.
NCERT officials, however, clarified that only the first part of the textbook has been released so far. A second part is expected in the coming months, but they did not confirm whether the dropped content on Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate would return.
This move comes after earlier syllabus rationalisations during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022–23, when NCERT had already trimmed sections on the Tughlaqs, Khaljis, Mamluks, and Lodis, as well as a detailed two-page table listing the achievements of Mughal emperors. In the latest version, all mentions of these dynasties have been completely omitted.
The new Social Science book, titled Exploring Society: India and Beyond, now includes fresh chapters on ancient Indian dynasties like the Magadha, Mauryas, Shungas, and Satavahanas, emphasising “Indian ethos.”
A significant addition is the chapter How the Land Becomes Sacred, which explores sacred sites and pilgrimage traditions across different religions — including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism. The chapter introduces the idea of “sacred geography,” highlighting pilgrimage networks such as the 12 jyotirlingas, the char dham yatra, and Shakti pithas, alongside revered natural landmarks like rivers, mountains, and forests. It also includes a quote from Jawaharlal Nehru describing India as “a land of pilgrimages,” from Badrinath to Kanyakumari.
This year’s Maha Kumbh mela in Prayagraj, which reportedly drew around 660 million participants, is also featured — though the stampede that resulted in 30 deaths and numerous injuries is not mentioned.
Additionally, the new textbook highlights recent government initiatives like Make in India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and the construction of the Atal Tunnel.
Another chapter discusses the evolution of citizens’ rights under the Constitution of India, recounting the 2004 Supreme Court ruling that allowed Indians to proudly fly the national flag at home as part of their right to freedom of expression.
In the revised English textbook Poorvi, nine of the 15 stories, poems, and narratives are now by Indian authors or feature Indian characters, showcasing works by Rabindranath Tagore, APJ Abdul Kalam, and Ruskin Bond.
The sweeping changes have drawn criticism from opposition parties, who accuse the government of “saffronising” education. However. — With inputs from PTI
