By callmepandeyji.com 
NCERT’s new curriculum trims Mughal and Delhi Sultanate history from Class 7 textbooks. Discover what changed, why it matters, and the full controversy explained with facts. Read the detailed blog on CallMePandeyji.com.
his move sparked intense discussions across India, particularly because chapters about the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire — two critical eras in India’s medieval history — were heavily modified or removed.
While some claim the Mughals and Delhi Sultans have been “erased” from the curriculum, others argue that the change is more of a restructuring rather than complete removal.
Let’s dive deeper to understand what exactly changed, why it changed, and what the implications are for India’s education system.
What Changes Were Made in NCERT Class 7 Textbooks?
The NCERT textbook for Class 7, Our Pasts-II, has undergone the following major modifications:
1. Chapter Renaming
- The chapter titled “The Delhi Sultans” has been renamed to “Delhi: 12th to 15th Century.”
- The chapter titled “The Mughal Empire” is now “The Mughals (16th to 17th Century).”
This rebranding suggests a shift in narrative, focusing more broadly on the time periods rather than on specific dynasties.
2. Content Deletions
- Detailed descriptions of individual Mughal emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb have been removed.
- The tables listing major achievements of Mughal rulers have been deleted.
- Discussions on administration, culture, and the translation of Sanskrit works into Persian during the Mughal period have been pruned.
- Coverage of successor states such as Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad — regions that evolved from Mughal provinces — has been omitted.
👉 However, topics like Rajputs, Marathas, Sikhs, and Jats have been retained.
NCERT’s Official Explanation
According to NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani, the revisions are part of a “curriculum rationalisation” process initiated to:
- Reduce the academic burden on students post-COVID-19.
- Align content with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- Avoid “unnecessary overlapping of topics.”
Saklani clarified that history related to the Mughals and Delhi Sultanate has not been completely deleted. Students will still encounter these topics in Class 11 and Class 12 textbooks.
He firmly stated:
“It is a lie that Mughal history has been removed. Rationalisation has been done to reduce the burden on students.”
[Source: Times of India, Indian Express]
Critics’ Reaction
Despite NCERT’s assurances, the decision has drawn significant criticism from historians, educators, and political commentators.
1. Charges of “Saffronisation”
Many scholars argue that this move is an attempt at “rewriting Indian history” to align with Hindu nationalist narratives.
The term Saffronisation refers to the promotion of Hindu-centric viewpoints while downplaying the contributions of Islamic rulers and other minorities.
2. Political Opposition
- AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi accused the government of erasing Muslim history.
- Congress leader Kapil Sibal criticized it, saying it was an attempt to “manipulate history” for political motives.
[Source: LiveMint, The Hindu]
Why Are Mughals and Delhi Sultans Important?
The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526) and the Mughal Empire (1526–1857) were integral to shaping:
- India’s architecture (Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Taj Mahal)
- India’s culture and language (Persian influence on Urdu and Hindi)
- Art, literature, music, and administrative systems
- Early moves toward secular governance and pluralism
Erasing or reducing these periods risks giving students an incomplete understanding of India’s diverse and rich historical evolution.
What Remains in the Curriculum?
- Students will still study about the Mughals and Delhi Sultanate briefly at various points.
- Detailed study of the Mughal Empire has been shifted to Class 11 and Class 12 textbooks.
- Focus is more on regional powers (like Marathas, Rajputs, etc.) and broader social and cultural developments.
Implications for Students and Education
The changes are not just cosmetic — they affect the way India’s next generation will understand their own heritage:
- Reduced context about India’s multicultural past.
- Potential bias toward certain narratives.
- Loss of critical thinking opportunities regarding India’s complex socio-political history.
However, proponents argue that lighter textbooks will help reduce rote learning and focus on conceptual clarity.
Conclusion: Balancing History and Progress
History must be a mirror, not a mural.
While updating educational material to suit modern needs is valid, selective editing risks distorting India’s real historical tapestry.
India’s past — whether glorious, complex, or uncomfortable — needs to be understood, not whitewashed.
At CallMePandeyji.com, we believe that a strong, confident nation learns from all parts of its history, without fear or favour.
Let’s keep encouraging a balanced, inclusive education system that empowers students to think critically, and respect all cultures and histories that shaped India.
Sources and References:
- Indian Express: NCERT’s textbook changes
- Times of India: NCERT Chief’s clarification
- LiveMint: Why NCERT removed Mughal chapters
- Wikipedia: Saffronisation of education
Check out the full NCERT Class 7 Social Science textbook (Part 1) here.
Also Read-https://callmepandeyji.com/scenario-base-questions-and-answers/
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Written by Callmepandeyji (Abhishek Kumar)