The recent deletions made by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) from its history textbooks have come under criticism from historians. The deletions have been labeled as a ‘non-academic, partisan agenda’ by some experts in the field.
The NCERT is responsible for developing and publishing textbooks for schools in India, and its history textbooks are considered to be some of the most authoritative sources of information on the subject. However, in recent years, there have been concerns about the political bias in the textbooks, with some experts claiming that they have been revised to suit the ruling party’s agenda.
The recent deletions made by the NCERT from its history textbooks have added fuel to these concerns. The deletions include references to important historical events such as the Indian National Army and the Mughal empire, and have been criticized for promoting a narrow and politically motivated view of Indian history.
Many historians have pointed out that the deletions are a reflection of a larger trend in Indian politics, where the ruling party is attempting to rewrite history to suit its agenda. They argue that this trend is dangerous, as it promotes a distorted view of history and undermines the credibility of academic institutions.
The NCERT has defended the deletions, stating that they were made to ‘streamline’ the syllabus and make it more relevant to modern times. However, many experts remain unconvinced, arguing that the deletions have only served to erode the quality and integrity of the textbooks.
It is important to note that history is a complex and nuanced subject, and any attempts to simplify it or promote a narrow view of it are likely to be met with criticism. It is the responsibility of academic institutions such as the NCERT to ensure that their textbooks are free from political bias and are based on sound research and scholarship.
In conclusion, the recent deletions made by the NCERT from its history textbooks have come under criticism from historians, who have labeled them as a ‘non-academic, partisan agenda’. The deletions have been criticized for promoting a narrow and politically motivated view of Indian history, and for eroding the quality and integrity of the textbooks. It is important for academic institutions to ensure that their textbooks are free from political bias and are based on sound research and scholarship.
