NCERT Removes Mughals and Delhi Sultanate from Class 7 Curriculum, Adds Mahakumbh and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) designs school books in India. Recently, NCERT made big changes in the Class 7 history syllabus. Two important topics — the Mughal Empire and the Delhi Sultanate — have been removed. In their place, students will now study about the Mahakumbh festival and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign.
This move has started a lot of discussion among teachers, students, and parents. People are asking why these changes were made and how they will affect the teaching of history in India.
Why These Changes?
NCERT updates books from time to time to keep them fresh and relevant. In the 2023 update, they decided to drop the chapters on Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate.
The Mughal Empire (16th–19th century): Known for rulers like Akbar, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, the Mughals influenced India’s art, architecture, and administration. But they are also remembered for religious tensions, especially under Aurangzeb. Some feel that talking less about the Mughals fits current nationalist thinking, while others say it removes an important part of India’s history.
The Delhi Sultanate (13th–16th century): This rule brought Islamic culture, new architecture, and political systems, but also invasions and temple destructions. Supporters of the removal believe the topic often highlights violence more than positive contributions. Critics say ignoring it means students won’t fully understand India’s past.
New Additions
Mahakumbh:
The Kumbh Mela is one of the world’s biggest religious gatherings. Millions of Hindus take part to bathe in holy rivers at places like Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. By adding this topic, NCERT wants students to learn about India’s cultural traditions and unity through religion.
Supporters say it shows India’s rich heritage and promotes values like peace and community life.
Critics argue it highlights only Hindu traditions and may reduce representation of other religions in Indian history.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao:
Launched in 2015, this government campaign tries to stop discrimination against girls, fight female foeticide, and promote girls’ education. Adding this program to textbooks aims to teach students about gender equality — the idea that both boys and girls are equally important.
For girls, this could inspire confidence and a sense of independence. For boys, it encourages respect and fairness towards women.
Bigger Debate: Nationalism vs Pluralism
These changes show the struggle in India’s education system:
Should schools focus on national pride and majority culture?
Or should they give space to India’s diverse history with contributions from many religions and communities?
By removing Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate, critics say history is being simplified into a more Hindu-centered story. Supporters argue it brings focus on topics that match today’s social and cultural priorities.
NCERT’s decision to replace the Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate with Mahakumbh and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao reflects changing educational goals. It raises questions about how India wants its next generation to see the country’s history — through a lens of cultural pride, gender equality, or a more mixed and plural view of its past.
Whether these changes help students or limit their understanding is still uncertain. But this debate shows how important textbooks are in shaping how young people think about India’s identity.
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