NCERT Class VII textbook highlights Mahmud of Ghaznis brutality; celebrates southern, eastern dynasties
NEW DELHI: The regime of Mahmud of Ghazni has been highlighted extensively in the Class VII Social Science Studies textbook (Part-2) released recently by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The book also moves away from a North-centric narrative and showcasing the greatness of past dynasties in the Southern and Eastern parts of the country, said sources. The textbook, titled Exploring Societies: India and Beyond , dwells on the period between the 6th and 12th centuries. It is in line with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. TNIE was given access to the book. Unlike the previous edition, where the Turkish ruler Mahmud of Ghazni was allotted just one paragraph, a whole chapter has been devoted to him in the revised edition. Chapter 4, titled Turning Tides: 11th and 12th centuries , deals extensively with the ruler and speaks of the destruction, plunder, and slaughter of tens of thousands of Indian civilians. Numerous prisoners were captured, including children, who were later sold in the slave markets of Central Asia, it said. His biographers depicted him as a powerful but cruel and ruthless general, keen not only to slaughter or enslave infidels (Hindus, Buddhists, or Jains) but also to kill believers from rival sects of Islam. Mahmud later went to Gujarat and Somnath (present-day Saurashtra), which was a bustling seaport. Despite strong resistance from the locals, after a few days of fighting Mahmud gained the upper hand, destroyed the Somnath Shiva temple, and looted its enormous treasures, it said. A noteworthy addition is the inclusion of dynasties whose contributions hardly found a place in textbooks in the past. The Kakatiyas of Telangana patronised Telugu literature and built the 1000-pillar temple at Hanamkonda, it said. They had a strong local administration along with an efficient revenue system. The Chalukyas of Kalyani, missing from school curricula earlier, are also included. A discussion on the Pallavas followed by the Bhakti tradition of South India finds a place here. Cholas, Hoysalas, philosophers like Ramanujacharya, and social reformers like Basaveshvara are highlighted. The great past of Eastern and North-East India has been highlighted through detailed coverage of the Palas in Bengal and Bihar, who founded major universities like Vikramashila and Somapura. The Senas and Eastern Gangas, builders of the Jagannath Puri temple and Sun Temple in Konark, are covered along with the Varmans dynasty. The great philosopher Shankaracharya, who consolidated the Advaita Vedanta school of thought, is also highlighted. His visit to Kashmir in the 8th century is mentioned, where he engaged in philosophical debates and contributed to the regions spiritual landscape.
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