Mugal and delhi sultanat chapter deleted from class 7 books and introduce mahakumbh
In April 2025, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) released revised textbooks for Class 7, marking a significant shift in the curriculum. Notably, chapters on the Mughal Empire and the Delhi Sultanate have been removed, while new content focusing on Indian traditions, including the Mahakumbh festival, has been introduced.
In the 2023-24 academic year, significant revisions were made to the NCERT Class 7 history textbook, "Our Pasts – II," leading to the removal of several chapters and sections. Notably, content related to the Mughal Empire and the Delhi Sultanate was either significantly reduced or removed entirely. For instance, the chapter "The Mughal Empire" was renamed "The Mughals (16th to 17th Century)," with substantial portions removed, including a two-page table detailing the achievements of Mughal emperors such as Babur, Akbar, and Aurangzeb . Similarly, the chapter "The Delhi Sultans" was retitled "Delhi: 12th to 15th Century," and content on independent political states like Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad was entirely omitted.
These changes were part of a broader curriculum rationalization process initiated by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to reduce the academic burden on students, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani clarified that these revisions were based on expert committee recommendations, asserting that the removal of these chapters would not adversely affect students' understanding of history.
In place of the removed content, the revised textbook introduces new topics, including a chapter on the Mahakumbh Mela. The Mahakumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held every 12 years at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The 2025 edition of the festival attracted over 500 million devotees, highlighting its immense cultural and spiritual significance.
The inclusion of the Mahakumbh Mela chapter aims to provide students with insights into India's rich cultural heritage and the importance of communal harmony and spiritual practices. While some educators and historians have expressed concerns over the removal of significant historical content, the introduction of topics like the Mahakumbh Mela reflects an effort to balance historical education with cultural awareness.
In summary, the NCERT's recent revisions to the Class 7 history textbook have led to the removal of chapters on the Mughal Empire and the Delhi Sultanate, with the introduction of new topics such as the Mahakumbh Mela. These changes are part of an ongoing effort to update and rationalize the curriculum to better align with contemporary educational goals.
Removal of Mughal and Delhi Sultanate Chapters
The updated textbooks have eliminated all references to the Mughal era and the Delhi Sultanate. Previously, these sections included detailed accounts of various dynasties such as the Mamluk, Tughlaq, Khalji, and Lodi, along with achievements of Mughal emperors like Babur, Akbar, and Aurangzeb. These changes align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, which emphasize integrating Indian traditions, philosophies, and local contexts into education.
Introduction of New Chapters
The revised textbooks now feature chapters that highlight India's rich cultural heritage and contemporary initiatives:
"How Land Becomes Sacred": This chapter explores the concept of "sacred geography," focusing on pilgrimage sites like the 12 Jyotirlingas, Char Dham, and Shakti Peeths. It discusses how these locations have become sacred through centuries of devotion and spiritual practices. ThePrint Hindi
Mahakumbh Festival:
The 2025 Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, attended by approximately 660 million pilgrims, is highlighted as a testament to India's enduring spiritual traditions. ThePrint Hindi
Government Initiatives: Chapters now include discussions on contemporary government programs such as "Make in India," "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao," and the Atal Tunnel, reflecting India's modern developmental strides.
Educational and Cultural Implications
The removal of Mughal and Delhi Sultanate content has sparked debates about the representation of India's diverse history. Critics argue that omitting these chapters may lead to a skewed understanding of India's past, particularly regarding its Islamic heritage. Supporters contend that the new curriculum fosters a deeper connection with indigenous traditions and contemporary achievements.
NCERT officials have indicated that the current revisions constitute only the first part of the updated textbooks, with a second part expected in the coming months. It remains to be seen whether the omitted content will be reinstated in the subsequent edition.
Conclusion
The 2025 revisions to the Class 7 NCERT textbooks reflect a significant shift towards emphasizing India's traditional and modern cultural narratives. While this approach aligns with current educational policies, it also raises important questions about the balance between celebrating indigenous heritage and acknowledging the diverse historical influences that have shaped India.
In a significant revision aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023, the NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) has updated Class 7 history textbooks. The most notable change is the removal of detailed chapters on the Mughal Empire and the Delhi Sultanate—eras that played a major role in shaping medieval Indian history.
What Was Removed?
The older textbooks included comprehensive sections on:
The establishment and expansion of the Delhi Sultanate (Mamluk, Khalji, Tughlaq, and Lodi dynasties).
The rise and influence of the Mughal Empire, focusing on emperors like Babur, Akbar, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb.
Administrative systems, cultural contributions, and architectural advancements during these periods.
These chapters have now been dropped entirely from the new curriculum.
What Has Been Added?
In their place, the new textbooks place greater emphasis on India's spiritual, cultural, and indigenous traditions. Some of the new content includes:
Mahakumbh Festival: The revised books now highlight the Mahakumbh Mela, particularly the upcoming 2025 edition in Prayagraj, as a massive spiritual event that draws millions of pilgrims. The chapter explains the religious significance, historical roots, and global recognition of the Mahakumbh.
Sacred Geography: A new chapter titled “How Land Becomes Sacred” discusses important pilgrimage sites in India like the 12 Jyotirlingas, Char Dham, and Shakti Peethas. It teaches how faith and tradition shape geography over centuries.
Modern Initiatives: The books also cover recent government schemes like Make in India, Swachh Bharat, Atal Tunnel, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, linking students with India's current progress.
Reactions and Debate
These changes have sparked a national debate. Critics argue that removing the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods risks erasing an important part of Indian history, particularly its Islamic contributions. They emphasize the need for balanced historical narratives. On the other hand, supporters believe the changes promote pride in India’s ancient roots and cultural heritage, fulfilling NEP’s goal of "Bharatiyata" (Indianness).
What’s Next?
NCERT officials have stated that this is the first installment of updated textbooks, and a second part may follow. It is unclear whether the removed content will reappear in future editions or be permanently excluded.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.jpeg)
0 Comments