NCERT forms expert panel over row on Rajput, Ahom, and Paika history in new textbooks

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has set up a panel of senior experts to address criticism about possible factual mistakes and missing historical events in newly revised school textbooks. The decision was taken on Thursday, August 7, after concerns were raised about the way certain regional histories, including those of the Rajputs, Ahoms, and Paikas, have been shown.

The committee will be led by Professor Ranjana Arora, who heads NCERT’s Department of Curriculum Studies and Development. It will carefully study the feedback from historians, public figures, and citizens, and then give recommendations on how to fix any issues.

Controversy over historical depictions

The textbook debate began when it was found that the Class 8 Social Science book shows Jaisalmer—known historically as a Rajput stronghold—as part of the Maratha Empire. This portrayal angered Chaitanya Raj Singh, a descendant of Jaisalmer’s former royal family. He called the description “historically misleading and factually baseless” and appealed to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to remove what he described as “erroneous, malicious, and agenda-driven content.”

The dispute is not just about Rajput history. Critics have also objected to the way the history of the Ahoms from Assam is presented and to the removal of the 1817 Paika Rebellion from the syllabus. The Paika Rebellion was a major uprising against the British that took place in Odisha, 40 years before the 1857 Revolt. Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik strongly criticised its omission, calling it an erasure of Odisha’s heritage and disrespect to the legacy of the Paikas.

Concerns have also come from the southern part of the country. Actor R Madhavan recently said the syllabus still gives too much importance to the Mughal and British periods while not giving enough space to the Cholas, Pandyas, Pallavas, and Cheras—important dynasties from South India. Many scholars and cultural figures have echoed this view, demanding a fairer representation of all regions.

NCERT’s response and next steps

In its statement, NCERT said it is in the process of releasing revised textbooks for Classes 1 to 8, with the books for Classes 9 to 12 to be updated by the end of this year. The council explained that it is a normal procedure to review textbooks when significant feedback is received.

The statement read: “Whenever substantial feedback or suggestions are received regarding the content or teaching method of a textbook, a committee of domain experts is formed to examine the matter in detail and suggest necessary actions.”

The newly formed expert committee will now look at all the concerns raised. These include:

• Whether Jaisalmer was wrongly shown as part of the Maratha Empire.

• The accuracy of Ahom history.

• The omission of the Paika Rebellion.

• The limited coverage of South Indian dynasties.

• Other academic issues, such as content in vocational and physical education books.

Once the panel completes its review and gives its report, NCERT is expected to decide on changes to ensure that the books give a more balanced and accurate account of India’s history.

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This development adds to the larger and ongoing discussion in India about how history should be written and taught in schools. Textbook revisions often become the centre of debate, involving questions about historical truth, cultural representation, and political influence. With the committee’s work ahead, educators, historians, and the public will be watching closely to see how these issues are addressed.