The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) introduced updated textbooks for Class 7 this week, signalling a major change in the teaching of history and social science in India. The revised curriculum, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, eliminates mentions of the Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate. Instead, new content that highlights ancient Indian dynasties, sacred geography, major pilgrimages, and contemporary government initiatives has been introduced by NCERT.
A report states that the first section of the Social Science textbook, titled “Exploring Society: India and Beyond,” has been launched, with the second section expected to be released in the upcoming months. NCERT officials have confirmed the release but have not clarified whether the sections on Mughals and Delhi Sultanate will reappear in the upcoming part.
The most striking change is the absence of sections related to the Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate. Previously, during the syllabus rationalisation exercise initiated amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022-23, certain portions such as references to the Tughlaqs, Khaljis, Mamluks, and Lodis, along with a two-page table listing Mughal emperors’ achievements had already been removed. In the new textbooks, however, the removal is complete, with no mention of these historical periods at all.
Instead, the new Social Science curriculum focuses on ancient Indian dynasties like the Magadha, Mauryas, Shungas, and Satavahanas. These chapters emphasise “Indian ethos,” seeking to provide a broader understanding of India’s indigenous political and cultural evolution.
A key addition is a chapter titled “How the Land Becomes Sacred,” which introduces students to the idea of “sacred geography.” This section delves into the networks of pilgrimage destinations cherished by different religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism. The chapter delves into famous pilgrim sites like the twelve jyotirlingas, the Char Dham Yatra, and the Shakti Peethas. Sacred rivers, mountains, forests, and river confluences also find a prominent place.
The new textbooks also mention contemporary events such as the Mahakumbh Mela, highlighting the massive participation of nearly 660 million people at Prayagraj earlier this year.
The curriculum briefly touches upon the varna-jati system, stating that while the system initially provided social stability, it became rigid over time, particularly during British colonial rule, thereby leading to societal inequalities.
In addition to covering historical and cultural changes, the updated textbooks familiarise students with important government programs like Make in India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and major infrastructure projects such as the Atal Tunnel. These sections aim to familiarise students with contemporary nation-building efforts and developmental milestones.
A new chapter on the Constitution of India that has citizens’ rights and important legal milestones is also added. It narrates the story of how, until 2004, ordinary citizens were not permitted to fly the national flag at their homes. The textbook recounts how a citizen’s legal battle led the Supreme Court to recognize flag-hoisting as part of the Fundamental Right to Freedom of Expression, allowing all Indians to proudly display the tricolour.
Along with the updates to the Social Science syllabus, the English curriculum has also been revised. The earlier textbook, Honeycomb (which had 17 literary pieces but only four authored by Indians) is replaced by Poorvi. Out of 15 stories, poems, and narrative pieces included in Poorvi, nine are by Indian authors or depict Indian contexts and characters. Writings from inspirations like Rabindranath Tagore, APJ Abdul Kalam, and Ruskin Bond are now part of the NCERT syllabus. This will offer the students a stronger connection to indigenous literature.
The NCERT maintains that the revisions are intended to reflect the goals of the National Education Policy 2020, which calls for a more holistic, Indianized, and contemporary curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, cultural pride, and civic responsibility.
