New NCERT Class 9 social science book links Sikh Gurus’ martyrdoms to rise of resistance

Six months after the commencement of the academic session, National Council of Educational Research and Training has released the Class 9 social science textbook. Titled "Understanding Society India and Beyond-Part 2", the textbook was released on September 29. The first part of the textbook was released in June.

The brutality inflicted by the Mughal state on Sikh Gurus has few parallels in history and was deeply rooted in "rigid religious and discriminatory practices", according to the new textbook.

The chapter "Resistance and Resilience", which traces successive invasions of the Indian subcontinent since the 7th century, also examines religious traditions associated with warfare."The brutality of the Mughal state against the Sikh Gurus, particularly Guru Arjun Dev, Guru Teg Bahadur and the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh, has few comparisons in history," the textbook says. It adds that the valour and sacrifice of the Gurus in defence of their faith became a defining feature of Sikhism.

Also read NCERT teaching shame, not respect; blurring of Mohenjo-daro ‘Dancing Girl’ in book draws criticism

Key references in NCERT Class 9 textbook

The textbook says that beyond political considerations, the actions were deeply connected with the "rigid religious and discriminatory practices of the Mughals". It notes that the Mughal state began increasingly intervening in the affairs of Sikh Gurus from the beginning of the 17th century as their socio-cultural influence expanded.

According to the chapter, the martyrdoms of the Sikh Gurus strengthened the community's belief that persecution had to be confronted with "firm resistance and resilience".

The textbook states that Mughal emperor Jahangir ordered the execution of Guru Arjan Dev on the grounds of his alleged support for his rebellious son Khusrau Mirza. It describes the execution as a "significant turning point" in Sikh history, following which the community's organisational and political focus underwent a shift.

Also read CBSE to allow answer book inspection for students with unchanged re-evaluation marks

The chapter also refers to the detention of Guru Hargobind by Jahangir at Gwalior Fort and notes that large numbers of Sikhs gathered outside the fort to pay their respects to him.

On Guru Tegh Bahadur, the textbook states, "In 1675, Aurangzeb ordered the execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru. The martyrdom proved a turning point in Indian history."

The chapter connects the persecution of the Sikh Gurus and the political pressure faced by the community with the emergence of organised resistance. It says such persecution and pressure "could only be countered through collective organisation, and armed resistance as and when required".

The textbook also discusses Guru Hargobind's establishment of the Akal Takht as a centre of temporal authority and explains the concept of "miri-piri", which represents spiritual and worldly authority.

(With PTI inputs)