NCERT’s Revised Class 8 Textbook Portraits Brutality of Mughal Rule, Avoids Blame

NDC DESK

New Delhi, July 16, 2025 — The NCERT’s updated Class 8 Social Science textbook, Exploring Society: India and Beyond, marks a significant shift in historical teaching. Released under the newly adopted National Curriculum Framework (NCF-SE 2023), the chapter on the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal period has moved from Class 7 to Class 8, with an emphasis on analytical depth and nuance.

In a notable move, the text portrays Mughal rulers in unvarnished terms: Babur is labelled a “brutal and ruthless conqueror”, Akbar described as “brutal but tolerant” (including an account of a 30,000‑strong massacre and enslavement of women and children), while Aurangzeb is criticised for demolishing temples, gurdwaras, and schools.

Crucially, the NCERT has inserted a “no‑blame” footnote cautioning readers against moralising past actions. It emphasises that historical figures should be studied dispassionately, rather than judged by contemporary moral standards.

According to NCERT’s Michel Danino, the aim is not to demonise these figures, but to present their complexities: “Akbar himself admits he was brutal in his younger days… we have to show these rulers had their limitations and committed cruel deeds”.

This revision, part of an ongoing effort under the 2020 National Education Policy, strives for a balanced historical narrative—highlighting achievements in governance and art, while not shying away from the darker aspects of autocratic rule.