In July 2025, NCERT published new history books for Class 8 students. These books have started a major debate across India. Many historians, teachers, and parents say that the books are not showing history in a fair and balanced way.
Some famous rulers from India’s past, like Babur, Akbar, and Aurangzeb, have been described as ruthless or brutal, without much explanation or background. This change is worrying many people because young students might learn a one-sided version of history.
Let’s understand what the issue is, what the books say, and why it matters.
What Is the Controversy About?
NCERT’s new Class 8 history textbook, titled Exploring Society: India and Beyond, includes new descriptions of rulers from the Mughal and Sultanate periods. Some of the lines in the book say:
- Babur was “ruthless” and responsible for “mass killings”.
- Akbar is called both “brutal and tolerant”, with mentions of his army killing thousands.
- Aurangzeb is described as a ruler who “destroyed temples” and “forced Islamic rules”.
Though the book adds a small note asking students not to judge the past by today's standards, many feel that the note is not enough to balance the strong negative words used in the main text.
What NCERT Says About the Changes
NCERT says the new books are based on real historical sources. They claim that:
- These changes help students think critically.
- The idea is not to blame anyone but to understand the truth about what happened in the past.
- All new information is based on documents like the Baburnama, Akbarnama, and other Mughal records.
NCERT also added a note in the book saying, "We should not judge history based on modern views. These actions happened in a different time and place."
Why Are People Upset?
Many historians and teachers say that these books are unfair and politically influenced. Some key reasons they are upset:
- Only the violent parts of Mughal rulers are shown.
- Good work done by these rulers is not given enough space.
- It seems like an attempt to paint Muslim rulers in a negative way.
- There is no balance between war actions and their administrative or cultural contributions.
Some even believe this is part of a larger plan called "saffronisation", which means rewriting history to favor a Hindu nationalist view.
What Was Removed or Changed in the Books?
In earlier NCERT books:
- Mughals were shown as strong rulers who united India and promoted arts, culture, and trade.
- Akbar’s policies like religious tolerance, Din-i-Ilahi, and removal of the jizya tax were highlighted.
Now, the focus has shifted to:
- Wars, mass killings, and temple destruction.
- Mentioning the number of people killed, such as 30,000 during the siege of Chittorgarh.
- Skipping or shortening information on their good governance or achievements.
Table: Misleading Statements vs Correct Historical Context
| Misleading Statement in New NCERT Book | What History Actually Says (Balanced View) |
|---|---|
| Babur was “ruthless” and “slaughtered populations”. | Babur’s armies did kill in war, but he also promoted architecture, gardens, and law. His writings show he wanted to build a strong kingdom. |
| Akbar was “brutal but tolerant”. | Akbar followed war strategies common in medieval times. But he also brought peace, included Hindus in his court, and removed unfair taxes. |
| Aurangzeb destroyed temples and forced Islamic laws. | Aurangzeb did impose some strict rules. But he also supported Hindu officers and funded some temples. His rule was complex. |
| Mughal rule was mainly violent. | Mughal rulers built cities, roads, irrigation systems, and encouraged music, literature, and trade. They contributed to India’s culture deeply. |
| Emphasis on violence over culture. | A full history should show both sides – war and peace, cruelty and creativity. |
How This Affects Students
- Develop biased views about a community or religion.
- Miss out on learning about India’s rich and mixed culture.
- May grow up with incomplete knowledge of their own country's history.
This is why balanced history education is so important.
What Experts and Teachers Are Saying
Indian History Congress (IHC):
- Called the changes one-sided and politically motivated.
- Said that textbooks should be reviewed by historians, not just government officials.
School Teachers:
- Some teachers say students are now confused.
- Others say that even they don’t know how to explain these topics without proper training or resources.
Are Other Parts of History Also Changed?
Yes. In past years, NCERT has:
- Removed details about the Babri Masjid demolition.
- Skipped mentions of 2002 Gujarat riots.
- Shortened content about Dalit and minority struggles.
This pattern has made many people believe that history is being changed to support one political view.
What Should Be Done Now?
- Textbooks should be reviewed by neutral history experts.
- Good and bad sides of every ruler should be shown.
- Students should be taught to think and ask questions, not just accept everything.
- Books should include questions that help students discuss topics in class.
What You Can Do as a Parent or Student
- Ask teachers for extra reading material.
- Read other books like Baburnama or Akbarnama to see what the rulers wrote about themselves.
- Watch documentaries or videos that explain history in a balanced way.
- Talk about history at home, not just what is in the textbook.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Babur called brutal in the new book?
Because of war acts mentioned in his autobiography. But many believe that part was shown without other details.
2. Was Akbar really cruel?
He did fight wars, but he also made India stronger and more united with peaceful policies.
3. Did Aurangzeb destroy all temples?
He did order destruction of some temples, but he also supported many Hindu leaders and workers.
4. Why are people angry about the new textbooks?
Because they believe only the negative side is shown, which can cause bias.
5. Is this part of saffronisation?
Some people believe so. They think history is being changed to support certain political or religious ideas.
6. What is NCERT’s role?
NCERT makes textbooks for schools across India. Their job is to provide correct and balanced information.
7. Are other subjects affected too?
Yes, changes have been made in political science, sociology, and literature as well.
8. What if students believe only what's in the book?
Then they may grow up with a narrow view of India’s past. That’s why additional reading is important.
9. Can parents complain?
Yes. Parents can write to school boards or speak in school meetings.
10. Will NCERT change the books again?
It’s possible, especially if more people speak up or if expert panels recommend it.
Conclusion
History is not just about war or peace. It’s about understanding people, events, and cultures from many sides. The new NCERT books have started an important discussion, but they also raise serious concerns about fairness and balance.
Students deserve textbooks that tell the truth in a complete way—not just parts that suit any one viewpoint. By involving historians, teachers, and parents, we can ensure that history is taught in a way that builds unity, not division.
Report by Toofan Express