NCERT Class 7 Textbook: In line with the New Education Policy (NEP 2020) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE 2023), the NCERT has made significant changes to the Class 7 Social Science textbook titled ‘Social Studies: India and Beyond’. In this revised edition, chapters related to the Mughal Empire and Delhi Sultanate have been completely removed. Instead, new chapters focusing on ancient Indian dynasties, religious sites, the Kumbh Mela, and key government initiatives have been introduced.
Mughals and Delhi Sultanate Chapters Completely Dropped
Earlier editions of NCERT textbooks included detailed chapters on the Tughlaqs, Khiljis, Mamluks, Lodis, and various achievements of Mughal emperors, presented through detailed narratives and charts. These sections were shortened during the 2022–23 academic year as part of syllabus rationalization due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, all remaining references to the Mughals and Delhi Sultanate have been entirely removed from the textbook.
New Focus: Ancient Indian Dynasties and Cultural Heritage
The new textbook places strong emphasis on ancient Indian dynasties such as the Magadha, Maurya, Shunga, and Satavahana empires. These chapters aim to highlight India’s civilizational values, cultural legacy, and indigenous traditions. The move reflects a shift toward promoting a more Bharatiya-centric perspective in historical narratives.
Kumbh Mela and Cultural Celebrations Now Featured
One chapter discusses the Kumbh Mela held recently in Prayagraj, claiming participation of around 660 million people. It focuses on the cultural, religious, and social significance of such mass gatherings in Indian society.
New Chapter: ‘Sacred Geography’ and Pilgrimage Sites
A unique chapter titled ‘Sacred Geography’ explores the spiritual and sacred landscapes of India. It includes:
- Descriptions of 12 Jyotirlingas,
- The Char Dham pilgrimage,
- Shakti Peeths,
- Holy places from multiple religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism.
A quote by Jawaharlal Nehru describing India as a land of pilgrimage is also featured in this section.
Government Schemes Included as Educational Content
The revised textbook introduces chapters on modern government initiatives, including:
- Make in India,
- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child),
- Atal Tunnel,
These chapters aim to inform students about India’s contemporary development programs and their impacts.
Chapter on Constitution and Social Inequality
There is also a chapter on the Indian Constitution, discussing historical restrictions such as how people were once not allowed to hoist the national flag at home. The book further explores caste-based discrimination, explaining how the varna system, while originally stabilizing, became rigid and unjust over time—especially under British colonial rule.
Second Volume to Be Released, but Mughal History’s Return Uncertain
According to NCERT officials, the current book is only the first part, and a second volume is expected in the coming months. However, it remains unclear whether the removed chapters on Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate will be reinstated in the second part. For now, those topics have been entirely excluded from the curriculum.
This major revision reflects an effort to align school education more closely with Indian traditions, values, and nationalism, although it has also sparked debate in academic circles regarding historical accuracy and balance in education.
