NCERT has introduced a new Class 8 Social Science textbook, Exploring Society: India and Beyond, under the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. This book brings in a fresh and more open way to learn about India’s medieval past.

The major historical events like the Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, and colonial times, which were earlier taught in Class 7, have now moved to Class 8. The textbook presents these topics in a more thoughtful and detailed way.

One of the chapters, Reshaping India’s Political Map, talks about key political changes between the 13th and 17th centuries. It covers the rise and fall of different empires like the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, the Vijayanagara kingdom, and the early Sikh resistance.

The tone of the book stands out. It doesn’t try to label anyone as purely good or bad. Instead, it encourages students to think deeply about what happened and why. The preface says:

“History may often appear dominated by wars and destruction, but should we simply leave them out? The better path is to confront and examine these events, to understand the forces that made them possible and, ideally, to prevent them from happening again. It’s essential to study these darker chapters with objectivity, without placing blame on people living today.”

How Babur’s arrival is explained

The textbook begins its section on the Mughal dynasty with Babur, the founder who came from Central Asia. It talks about his victory in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 and how he used modern weapons like field artillery.

It also mentions Babur’s personal writings in the Baburnama, and does not leave out the destruction of temples or the religious reasons behind some of his campaigns. The goal is to give students a clear and complete picture of what happened.

Akbar: A ruler with many sides

The textbook takes a deeper look at Emperor Akbar, who became ruler at just 13. It talks about both his military power and his efforts to build religious unity. Akbar is described as:

“A blend of brutality and tolerance, shaped by ambition and strategy.”

One example given is the 1568 attack on Chittorgarh, where many people were killed and women and children taken captive. But the book also tells how Akbar ended the jizya tax on non-Muslims, worked with Rajput leaders, and promoted sulh-i-kul—meaning “peace with all.”

His translation work at Fatehpur Sikri, where Hindu epics were translated into Persian, is also highlighted. A quote from his biographer Abul Fazl is included:

“Formerly, I persecuted men into conformity with my faith. As I grew in knowledge, I was overwhelmed with shame. Not being a Muslim myself, it was unmeet to force others to become such.”

Aurangzeb’s rule shown with more context

Aurangzeb is shown as a powerful emperor whose rule grew stricter over time. The textbook mentions how he brought back the jizya tax, banned music and dance in court, and taxed Hindu pilgrims. It also discusses the destruction of temples and his actions against Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, and Sufis.

The fight for the throne is also part of the lesson. Students learn that Aurangzeb defeated his brother Dara Shikoh, executed other rivals, and even imprisoned his father, Shah Jahan.

Learning from the past, not living in it

NCERT has clearly said that its aim is not to blame people from the past or today. A statement quoted by ANI reads:

“While those happenings cannot be erased or denied, it would be wrong to hold anyone today responsible for them. Understanding the historical origin of cruel violence, abusive misrule, or misplaced ambitions of power is the best way to heal the past and build a future where, hopefully, they will have no place.”

The new textbook encourages students to think, question, and understand history, not just memorize names and dates. By showing both conflicts and moments of peace, it offers a fuller view of the past.

Exploring Society: India and Beyond marks a big step in how schools teach history in India, urging students to learn with an open mind and a thoughtful heart.

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