New Delhi: National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Director Professor Dinesh Prasad Saklani defended the content of the Class 8 Social Science textbook on Thursday, asserting that the historical facts included are grounded in well-established and authentic sources.
“All the historical facts and evidence mentioned in the Class 8 Social Science textbook published by NCERT are based on historical sources and texts like Baburnama, Banaras Gazetteer, Maasir-e-Alamgiri written by Saqi Muttid Khan and translated by Sir Jadunath Sarkar, the book ‘The History and Culture of the Indian People’ written by R.C. Majumdar, etc,” Professor Saklani told ANI.
His statement comes after the textbook’s portrayal of Mughal emperors has drawn attention, describing Akbar’s reign as a “blend of brutality and tolerance” and Aurangzeb as a military ruler who enforced bans on “un-Islamic” practices and taxed non-Muslims. To support this portrayal, Saklani cited Muntakhab-al-Lubab by Khafi Khan, a contemporary historian during Aurangzeb’s rule.
He said, “The facts mentioned in the textbook are supported by authentic historical sources. These facts clarify the complexity of the social, religious and political aspects of Indian history. The rulers of the Mughal Empire, especially Aurangzeb, have been described in detail in ‘Muntakhab-al-Lubab’ written by his contemporary historian Khafi Khan.”
Stating that the books presents historical facts in a “balanced and concise manner,” he continued that students should know the “not only know the facts but also understand their impact in depth.”
Meanwhile, from detailed views on Maratha leaders to the history of Sikhism, and from powerful regional dynasties to overlooked rulers like Narasimhadeva I, the newly released NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook offers a broader, more inclusive account of Indian history.
The book, Exploring Society: India and Beyond—Grade 8, Part 1, introduces detailed chapters on the Sikh and Maratha empires, which were previously limited to a few pages or passing references.
It also brings regional figures, such as Narasimhadeva I, the Gajapati rulers of Odisha, the Hoysalas, Rani Abbakka I and II, and Marthanda Varma of Travancore, into national focus.
The Sikh chapter traces the community’s rise from a spiritual movement initiated by Guru Nanak to the militarised resistance under Guru Gobind Singh, culminating in the formation of the Khalsa and the establishment of a unified empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. (ANI)
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