Correct inaccuracies on Ahom Dynasty in NCERT book: Gaurav Gogoi

Staff reporter

Guwahati: Congress MP from Jorhat, Gaurav Gogoi, has written to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighting what he calls “significant historical inaccuracies” in the revised NCERT Class 8 history textbook, particularly in the chapter “Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities” dealing with the Ahom dynasty of Assam.

In his letter, Gogoi welcomed the inclusion of the Ahoms—who ruled Assam for over six centuries and resisted multiple Mughal invasions—but pointed out that the portrayal contains “errors and oversimplifications” that could distort students’ understanding of history. The letter pointed out key issues including misrepresentation of Origins: The textbook claims the Ahoms migrated from present-day Myanmar, while scholars trace their roots to Mung Mao in present-day Yunnan, China.

Paik System Mischaracterisation: Described as “forced labour” in the textbook, Gogoi stresses it was actually a rotational administrative and military service that provided land and career opportunities.

Distortion of the 1663 Treaty of Ghilajarighat: Portrayed as a defeat for the Ahoms, whereas it was a strategic truce that paved the way for the expulsion of the Mughals from Assam.

Oversimplified Socio-Political Integration: The claim that the Ahoms “suppressed” the Bhuyan landlord class is said to ignore the complexity of the integration process. Omissions of Cultural & Administrative Achievements: Notable aspects such as the Khel administrative system, Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar, and the Ahoms’ role in shaping Assamese identity are missing.

Gogoi warned that such inaccuracies undermine Assam’s historical legacy and risk spreading misconceptions about the Northeast’s cultural heritage. He urged the Ministry to immediately review the chapter with subject experts from Assam and make the necessary factual corrections to ensure balanced representation in the national curriculum.

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