‘Finally! Real, unfiltered history in schools’: NCERT textbook describing Mughals as ‘cruel’ gains praise

Academicians, professors, and researchers are happy with the latest revision of NCERT Class 8 social science textbooks wherein Mughals have been shown as ‘brutal’, ‘cruel’, and ‘ruthless’ emperors, with a disclaimer. Many feel that finally the real and correct history will finally be taught in schools.

The new NCERT textbook titled ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond’ points out ‘religious intolerance’ during the Mughal era with a note. While Babur has been described as a brutal and ruthless conqueror, Akbar’s reign has been called a blend of brutality and tolerance. The book claims that Aurangzeb destroyed temples and schools and also talks about Alauddin Khilji’s attacks.

The head of the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) panel told the media that they’re not trying to ‘demonise’ anyone but showing the ‘darker chapters of history’.

'Long overdue' changes in Indian history

An academic congratulated NCERT for “finally doing what should’ve been done decades ago, rooting science education in India’s own intellectual traditions.” The new Class 8 textbook bridges the past and future with rigour and pride, he said.

A researcher remarked, “Finally it's happening. No more 'Akbar the great' in NCERT books. Now NCERT will teach about the cruelty of Mughal kings in history books.”

The national in-charge for policy and research under BJP Assam said, “A significant step marking the academic integrity and intellectual maturity in our curriculum where facts are not filtered, and glorification gives way to grounded understanding. The newly released Class VIII Social Science textbook by NCERT, ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond’, marks a notable shift in how medial Indian history is presented. For the first time, students are introduced to the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal era through a lens that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths.

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“In a bold academic departure, NCERT has moved the coverage of the Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, and #Marathas from Class 7 to Class 8 allowing for deeper analysis and more age appropriate comprehension of these complex periods. The aim is to contextualize ensuring that young minds understand history in totality, not through rose tinted lenses,” she added.