The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced more content on Rajput king Maharana Pratap and Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji in the class VII history textbooks in Maharashtra, reported The Indian Express.
The previous version of the textbook was reportedly criticised by the Shiv Sena and Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), for “glorifying Mughal emperors” and “ignoring Hindu kings”.
NCERT is an autonomous body that advises the HRD Ministry on school education. The changes are part of the textbook review undertaken in 2017 by the NCERT – the first since 2007.
According to The Wire, Shiv Sena and the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti had submitted separate petitions to the Maharashtra government, seeking a revision of the history textbook titled ‘Our Past – II’.
According to The Indian Express, there will be additional 100 words on Chhattrapati Shivaji, detailing his warfare tactics, career of conquest and credit him for the foundation of a strong empire. A portrait of Shivaji has also been introduced.
The section will also talk about Peshwa Baji Rao I and the role of Pehwas in building the Maratha empire.
Maharana Pratap has also been introduced in the last chapter, in the section titled ‘The Watan Jagirs of the Rajputs’. This section is on the influential Rajput kings, especially those from Amber and Jodhpur, who served under the Mughals. Maharana Pratap of Mewar has been introduced as an exception, who did not give in to Mughal authority.
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