NCERT textbook changes spark protest call by Maratha groups in Mumbai

The Maratha Kranti Morcha (MKM) has announced a protest at Mumbai's Azad Maidan, alleging that recent revisions in NCERT textbooks have reduced references to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Empire.

The organisation has called for a Jan Aakrosh Andolan today, claiming that portions of Maratha history, including maps depicting the extent of the Maratha Empire, have been altered or removed from school textbooks. The group believes that these changes misrepresent historical facts and diminish Maharashtra's cultural and historical legacy.

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In a statement (posted by HT), MKM said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj remains a symbol of self-governance, leadership, and good administration. It argued that reducing coverage of his contributions and the Maratha Empire could weaken students' understanding of an important period in Indian history.

Leading the protest, Raje Mudhoji Bhosale alleged that changes made to the Class 8 Social Science textbook, particularly the map related to the Maratha Empire, were influenced by political considerations. He said the demonstration also aims to draw the attention of Maharashtra's political leadership and seek what the group considers a fair representation of historical facts in revised NCERT textbooks.

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Bhosale maintained that the Maratha Empire is an integral part of India's heritage and said any reduction in its representation within school curricula is a matter of concern.

The organisation has urged historians, students, social activists, and members of the Maratha community to join the protest and raise their voices against the revisions.