Babri Masjid NCERT: A Major Change in Textbooks

NCERT updates: "Babri Masjid" replaced with "Three-Dome Structure" in 12th grade history books to avoid offending students. Future changes to include rebranding Mughals as invaders and highlighting Hindu kings' battles against Islamic invaders.

POLITICS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Harsh Ballyan

6/16/20242 min read

Babri Masjid NCERT: A Major Change in Textbooks
Babri Masjid NCERT: A Major Change in Textbooks
Babri Masjid NCERT: A Major Change in Textbooks
Babri Masjid NCERT: A Major Change in Textbooks

In a significant move, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has decided to make substantial changes to the content of History and Political Science textbooks for 12th grade. The term "Babri Masjid" has been replaced with "Three-Dome Structure" in the new edition of these textbooks. This decision aims to avoid offending students and ensure a more inclusive educational environment.

Babri Masjid to Three-Dome Structure

The replacement of "Babri Masjid" with "Three-Dome Structure" marks a notable shift in how historical events are presented in NCERT textbooks. This change is part of a broader initiative to update the curriculum to reflect a more neutral and inclusive historical narrative. By removing potentially sensitive terms, NCERT aims to create a learning environment where students can study history without encountering terms that might be considered controversial or offensive.

Reasons Behind the Change

The primary reason for this change is to ensure that students do not feel uncomfortable or offended when encountering terms like "Babri Masjid" in their textbooks. The Babri Masjid has been a contentious topic in Indian history, and its mention can evoke strong emotions. By replacing it with a more neutral term, NCERT aims to maintain a focus on historical facts without causing discomfort to students.

Future Changes:

This recent change is just the beginning of NCERT's efforts to update the curriculum. The next steps include rewriting sections about the Mughal Empire to refer to the Mughals as invaders. Additionally, NCERT plans to introduce exclusive chapters dedicated to Hindu kings who fought against Islamic invaders. This move aims to provide a more balanced perspective on Indian history, highlighting the contributions and struggles of Hindu rulers.

Conclusion

The decision by NCERT to replace "Babri Masjid" with "Three-Dome Structure" in 12th-grade History and Political Science textbooks is a significant step towards creating a more neutral and inclusive educational curriculum. By addressing sensitive topics with a more balanced approach, NCERT aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Indian history without causing discomfort. The upcoming changes to the curriculum, including the portrayal of Mughals as invaders and the inclusion of chapters on Hindu kings, reflect a broader effort to present a more diverse and inclusive historical narrative.