Detailed accounts of temple destruction, Somnath, and earlier invasions included
New Delhi: NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) has now presented Mahmud Ghaznavi’s invasions of India in far greater detail in the Class 7 Social Science textbook ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond.’ Earlier, the topic was limited to just one paragraph. The new edition includes six full pages, giving a much clearer picture of Ghaznavi and the period linked to him.
Ghaznavi destroyed temples
The new textbook states that Ghaznavi attacked Hindu temples, looted them, spread Islam, and killed non-Muslims. The earlier edition had only a brief paragraph, which said: “Kings built grand temples to showcase their power and wealth; however, many foreign rulers attacked and targeted these affluent temples. Mahmud Ghaznavi was the most prominent among them.”
Details of the destruction of the Somnath Temple included
The new textbook gives detailed information on Ghaznavi’s 17 invasions of India under the section ‘Ghaznavi’s Invasions.’ It includes the plunder of temples in Mathura, the destruction of the Kannauj temple, and the demolition of the Somnath temple in Gujarat. It also states that the present Somnath temple was rebuilt in 1950 and was inaugurated by the then President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Information on Hunnic and Arab invaders as well – NCERT
NCERT Director Dinesh Saklani said that the book also covers the empires and kingdoms from the 6th to the 10th century, before Ghaznavi. This includes the rulers of Kannauj, Kashmir, the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Pallavas, and Cholas, and ends with information about the invasions by Huns and Arabs from Central Asia.
“The aim is to show the Mughals as violent!” – Prof. Apoorvanand Jha, Delhi University
Regarding this, Prof. Apoorvanand Jha of Delhi University said, “What NCERT is doing with the textbooks makes it clear that they want to present history in such a way that the Mughals appear violent. All these changes are being carried out with that very intention. They do not want to acknowledge that the Mughals played an important role in India; that is why the information about them is being cut down.” (If something that was deliberately hidden until now begins to be stated openly, naturally such ‘heirs’ of the Mughals are going to feel the sting! – Editor)
Editorial Perspective
It must be acknowledged that NCERT is finally making a sincere effort to teach children real history. This is a much-needed positive change.
Source: Sanatan Prabhat
