Babur Called 'Cruel', Aurangzeb 'Destroyer' In NCERT's Revised Class 8 Book

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced notable changes in the Class 8 Social Science textbook.

The revised edition, which is already available in the market, has sparked discussions due to its updated portrayal of historical figures from the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal period.

Temple Destruction, Religious Intolerance

The new version of the textbook includes more direct references to instances of religious intolerance during medieval times.

In particular, Babur is described as a “cruel conqueror,” Akbar is portrayed as someone with a mix of “tolerance and cruelty,” and Aurangzeb is referred to as a ruler who ordered the destruction of temples and gurdwaras.

This revised narrative marks a shift from earlier editions, which had been more nuanced or restrained in describing the actions of historical rulers.

A significant addition to the book is a cautionary note that reads: "No one should be blamed today for the events of the past." This appears to be an attempt to contextualize the content and prevent any modern-day misinterpretation or blame.

NCERT yet to issue any official clarification

Despite the changes already being implemented and circulated through the updated textbooks, NCERT has yet to issue any official clarification or statement explaining the rationale behind the modifications.

Many await further communication from NCERT to understand the academic and historical reasoning behind the updates. Until then, the changes remain a topic of considerable discussion in educational and public spheres.

Babur, Akbar, and Aurangzeb were prominent rulers of the Mughal Empire in India.

Babur (1483–1530) was the empire’s founder, known for defeating Ibrahim Lodi at the Battle of Panipat in 1526. Akbar (1542–1605),

Babur’s grandson, expanded the empire significantly and promoted religious tolerance and administrative reforms. Aurangzeb (1618–1707), a later Mughal emperor, ruled for nearly 50 years but is often criticized for his strict Islamic policies and temple destructions. Together, they shaped much of India's medieval history, with their reigns marked by major military campaigns, architectural achievements, and complex religious dynamics.

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