The content of the school textbooks is being revised by the NCERT to align with the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP).
National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
A high-level committee on social sciences, established by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to review the school curriculum, has suggested that "Bharat" be used in place of "India" in all class textbooks.
The panel has recommended, according to committee head C I Isaac, substituting the term "Bharat" for "India" in textbooks, renaming the curriculum "classical history" rather than "ancient history," and incorporating the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) into the syllabus for every topic.
However, NCERT Chairman Dinesh Saklani stated that a decision on the panel's recommendations has not yet been made.
'Bharat' should be used in the textbooks for students across classes
All members of the committee have unanimously suggested that all students' textbooks use the term 'Bharat.'" Additionally, we have suggested that classical history be taught in textbooks rather than ancient history, Isaac told PTI.
Bharat is an age-old name 7,000 years old
"The name Bharat is ancient. Ancient writings like the 7,000-year-old Vishnu Purana mention the country as Bharat," Isaac added.
It was not until the government sent G20 invitations with the title "President of Bharat" rather than "President of India" that the term Bharat became legally recognised. Afterwards, during the summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nameplate also said "Bharat" rather than "India."
According to Isaac, the group has also suggested that the textbooks emphasise "Hindu victories" in a number of different conflicts.
"The textbooks currently discuss our shortcomings. However, our triumphs over the Mughals and sultans are not," the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) member Isaac said.
British had divided Indian history into three phases
"Indian history was split by the British into three periods: ancient, mediaeval, and modern. This division depicted India as being in the dark and behind on scientific advancements. Thus, in addition to the mediaeval and contemporary eras of Indian history, we have proposed that students be taught about the classical period as well," he continued.
The content of the school textbooks is being revised by the NCERT to align with the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP). To complete the curriculum, textbooks, and learning materials for these classes, the council has established the 19-member National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Committee (NSTC).
"The committee has also recommended the introduction of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) in the curriculum of all subjects," Isaac stated.
Jai Jaiswal
Wednesday 25 October 2023
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