Indian Rulers In, Mughals Out of Std 7 Textbooks: Major Changes Announced
In a significant move to reshape how Indian history is taught to young students, Indian rulers in, Mughals out of Std 7 textbooks has become the new headline making waves across the country. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has decided to update the curriculum, focusing more on indigenous dynasties and lesser-known heroes, while reducing the emphasis on the Mughal Empire in the Class 7 history books.
This update in NCERT textbooks aims to provide a broader, more indigenous perspective of Indian History, reflecting a growing demand to highlight native rulers and their contributions.
Indian Rulers In, Mughals Out of Std 7 Textbooks: What’s Changed?
The revised syllabus has seen a major overhaul. The Mughal Dynasty, which once occupied extensive chapters, has been significantly shortened or removed in parts. In its place, there is now expanded coverage of:
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The Delhi Sultanate with detailed discussions on rulers like Prithviraj Chauhan and Rani Durgavati.
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Vijayanagara Empire with focus on Krishnadevaraya.
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Maratha Empire with greater emphasis on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
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Regional Dynasties like Ahoms of Assam, the Rajputs, and the Cholas.
The updated content means Indian rulers are now the primary focus, while the narrative of the Mughal Empire is condensed. Events like the Maha Kumbh and its historical significance have also been added.
Indian Rulers Take Center Stage in NCERT Textbooks
The decision to bring Indian rulers in, Mughals out of Std 7 textbooks highlights a larger trend in educational reforms. Authorities argue that Indian students need to be made more aware of their native heritage, valor, and achievements.
Students will now learn extensively about:
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The political, social, and economic contributions of regional Indian kingdoms.
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Indigenous systems of governance, trade, and diplomacy.
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Resistance movements led by Indian rulers against foreign invasions.
This new focus repositions Indian History to give a more comprehensive and native-centric narrative to Class 7 learners.
Mughal Empire: A Condensed Chapter
While the Mughal Dynasty remains a critical part of Indian History, its coverage has been streamlined. Instead of detailed, separate chapters, key points about the Mughals are now integrated briefly:
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Introduction to Babur and the founding of the Mughal Empire.
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Akbar’s contribution to administrative policies.
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Cultural achievements during the Mughal period.
However, battles, succession wars, and personal biographies of multiple Mughal emperors have been largely dropped from the core curriculum. The NCERT officials stated that this decision was made to “allow space for a more diverse historical narrative.”
Indian Rulers In, Mughals Out of Std 7 Textbooks: Political Reactions
The “Indian rulers in, Mughals out of Std 7 textbooks” decision has sparked political debates. Some parties have hailed the move as long-overdue decolonization of Indian History, while others warn against rewriting history for political motives.
Academics and historians remain divided. Some applaud the focus on previously ignored dynasties like the Ahoms and the Cholas, while others argue that minimizing the Mughal Empire‘s contributions risks presenting an incomplete historical picture.
Impact on Students: How the New NCERT Textbooks Will Shape Learning
The curriculum update is designed to:
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Instill a sense of national pride among students.
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Offer a broader understanding of India’s vast historical tapestry.
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Highlight the cultural and scientific advancements made by indigenous rulers.
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Promote critical thinking about historical narratives and historiography.
With Indian rulers in, Mughals out of Std 7 textbooks, the students are expected to engage with a more India-centric view of history, encouraging a balanced appreciation of India’s ancient, medieval, and early modern past.
Class 7 History Textbook: Features and Specifications
The newly revised Class 7 NCERT History textbooks include:
Features | Specifications |
Focus | Indigenous rulers and kingdoms |
Coverage | Delhi Sultanate, Marathas, Vijayanagara Empire, Regional Dynasties |
Dropped Topics | Detailed Mughal biographies, extensive Mughal battle histories |
New Additions | Maha Kumbh history, indigenous festivals |
Language | Simplified and age-appropriate content |
Price Range | ₹70 – ₹120 (varies by state board orders) |
The affordable pricing of these textbooks ensures easy accessibility for all students while maintaining high-quality print and paper standards.
The move of Indian rulers in, Mughals out of Std 7 textbooks marks a decisive step toward giving students a more indigenous perspective of Indian History. While the Mughal Empire will still be recognized for its contributions, the spotlight will now be on India’s homegrown heroes who shaped the country’s destiny across centuries.
As students turn the pages of the new textbooks, they will journey through a vibrant history filled with tales of valor, innovation, governance, and resilience rooted deep in India’s own soil.