Many changes have been made in the new NCERT book of social science for Class 7 under the New Education Policy (NEP). Notably, all references to the Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate have been removed from the Class VII NCERT textbooks.
In contrast, new chapters have been introduced that focus on Indian dynasties, the Mahakumbh, and government initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.'
The newly released textbooks align with the NEP and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, which emphasize incorporating Indian traditions, philosophy, knowledge systems, and local context into school education.
When contacted, NCERT officials indicated that this is only the first part of the books, with a second part expected in the coming months. However, they did not comment on whether the removed portions would be reinstated in the second part of the book.
Previously, NCERT had shortened lessons related to the Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate, which included detailed descriptions of dynasties such as Tughlaq, Khilji, Mamluk, and Lodi, along with a two-page table on the achievements of Mughal emperors.
Chapters on Ancient Indian Dynasties
This revision was part of the effort to rationalize the syllabus in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2022-23 academic year. However, the new textbook now omits all references to the Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate. The social science textbook titled 'Study of Society: India and Beyond' includes new chapters on ancient Indian dynasties such as Magadha, Maurya, Shunga, and Satavahanas, emphasizing "Indian ethos."
Sacred geography
Another addition to the book is a chapter titled "How the Land Becomes Sacred," which explores places and pilgrimages considered sacred in India and beyond for various religions, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. This chapter introduces concepts such as 'sacred geography,' detailing significant sites like the 12 Jyotirlingas, the Char Dham Yatra, and Shakti Peethas.
A quote from Nehru
The text also features a quote from Jawaharlal Nehru, who described India as a land of pilgrimages. It notes that the varna-jati system initially provided social stability but later became rigid, particularly under British rule, leading to social inequalities. Additionally, the book highlights the Maha Kumbh Mela held in Prayagraj earlier this year, noting that approximately 66 crore people participated in the event.
References to govt initiatives included
However, there is no reference to the tragic stampede incident in which 30 pilgrims lost their lives and many others were injured. The new textbook also includes references to government initiatives such as ‘Make in India,’ ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao,’ and ‘Atal Tunnel.’ Furthermore, the book features a chapter on the Constitution of India, which discusses a time when people were prohibited from hoisting the national flag in their homes.
Prakash Kumar Pandey