The new Class 8 NCERT science textbook has surprised many by including details about the Mughals particularly focusing on their brutality. Many students and parents wonder why a science book discusses history, especially dark episodes from the Mughal era.
NCERT explains this by pointing to a special section called “Note on Some Darker Periods in History.” This note makes it clear that the past’s harsh realities are included for educational purposes, not to assign blame. It reminds readers that “no one should be held responsible today for events of the past.”
Earlier, Indian history topics like the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals were taught in social science books, typically in Class 7. Now, NCERT has reshuffled the syllabus. The history of the Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, and Marathas is introduced in Class 8 instead of Class 7.
The chapter titled “Reshaping India’s Political Map” covers the period from the 13th to the 17th century. It highlights the Delhi Sultanate, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Mughal rule, and early Sikh resistance. The book details numerous “brutal” acts, such as temple attacks and religious intolerance.
Babur is described as a “brutal and ruthless conqueror” who “slaughtered entire populations” and built “towers of skulls.” Akbar’s rule mixes “brutality and tolerance,” and Aurangzeb is noted for destroying temples and gurdwaras. The controversial jizya tax is also mentioned as a source of pressure on non-Muslims.
NCERT says history lessons in this science textbook aim to help students understand society and culture alongside science. The new syllabus promotes a holistic view, showing how historical events shaped India’s social and political fabric.
This inclusion has sparked debate, but NCERT insists the goal is education, not judgment. The textbook encourages students to learn from the past’s complexities without blaming anyone today.
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