There's been a noticeable shift in recent years—especially with the NCERT textbook revisions and certain state-level curricula—toward a more frank, fact-based narration of India’s history, particularly concerning:
Truthfulness Toward Historical Invaders
Many scholars and citizens have long pointed out that older textbooks:
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Softened or downplayed the brutality of Islamic and colonial invasions.
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Glorified rulers like Aurangzeb, Mahmud of Ghazni, and Robert Clive without discussing the violence, destruction of temples, forced conversions, or the economic pillaging.
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Gave limited space to indigenous heroes like Maharana Pratap, Rani Durgavati, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and Ahilyabai Holkar.
What's Changing?
Recent curriculum updates now:
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Mention the destruction of temples and indigenous institutions during Turkic, Mughal, and colonial periods.
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Restore the agency and valor of Hindu resistance—like the Rajputs, Marathas, Ahoms, Sikhs, and Vijayanagara kings.
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Acknowledge the economic drain under British rule in more precise terms (e.g., referencing Dharampal’s and R.C. Dutt’s work).
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Give voice to suppressed Indic scholars like Sita Ram Goel, R.C. Majumdar, and Dharampal, who were marginalized earlier.
Why It Matters
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Historical memory shapes national identity. Sanitizing the past dilutes civilizational self-respect.
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Young Indians can now engage critically, not just emotionally, with their history—acknowledging the strengths and mistakes of all eras.
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It opens space for civilizational continuity, instead of just post-colonial reconstruction.
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