The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has launched its updated Class 7 Social Science textbook, Exploring Society: India and Beyond, for the 2025 academic session. This overhaul removes all references to the Mughals and Delhi Sultanate, replacing them with content celebrating Indian dynasties, sacred geography, and government initiatives like Make in India. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the curriculum aims to foster cultural pride and connect students with India’s rich heritage.
- NEP 2020 Driven: Prioritizes education rooted in Indian ethos and local context.
- Cultural Emphasis: Focuses on Indian heritage to instill national identity.
- Historical Shift: Eliminates Mughal and Sultanate content, emphasizing ancient Indian kingdoms.
Key Updates in the Social Science Textbook
The revised textbook introduces significant changes, highlighting Indian traditions and modern achievements.
- Exclusion of Mughals and Delhi Sultanate: Completely removes these historical periods, previously reduced in 2022–23.
- Maha Kumbh Chapter: Showcases the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Focus on Indian Dynasties: Covers Magadha, Mauryas, Shungas, and Satavahanas, celebrating India’s ancient legacy.
- Government Initiatives: Integrates Make in India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Atal Tunnel to reflect national progress.
Emphasis on Sacred Geography
A dedicated chapter on sacred geography underscores India’s spiritual heritage, making the curriculum relatable.
- Pilgrimage Sites: Explores Char Dham Yatra, Jyotirlingas, Shakti Pithas, and Kumbh Mela.
- Inclusivity Across Religions: Includes sacred sites from various faiths to promote unity.
- Maha Kumbh Focus: Highlights the 2025 event’s global significance, though it omits the associated stampede tragedy.
Alignment with NEP 2020
The updated curriculum embodies NEP 2020’s vision of an education system that blends Indian values with modern skills.
- Cultural Connection: Strengthens students’ ties to Indian heritage through relevant narratives.
- Integrated Learning: Combines history, geography, and civics for a holistic understanding.
- Critical Engagement: Encourages analysis of national narratives and contemporary issues.
Controversies Surrounding the Changes
The removal of Mughals and Delhi Sultanate has sparked debates about historical accuracy and representation.
- Historical Gaps: Critics argue that omitting these periods distorts India’s historical narrative.
- Hindi Naming Concerns: Using Hindi titles like Poorvi for English-medium textbooks raises issues in non-Hindi regions.
- Incomplete Release: Only the first part of the textbooks is available, with the second part pending.
Implementation and Availability
The rollout faces logistical hurdles but is supported by interim measures.
- Digital Access: Textbooks are available on the NCERT website (ncert.nic.in).
- Delayed Full Rollout: Expected completion by late April 2025.
- CBSE Support: A bridge program offers activities to ease the transition.
Significance in Today’s National Context
In India’s current socio-political landscape, these changes shape students’ perspectives and align with national goals.
- Boosting National Pride: Highlighting Maha Kumbh and Make in India supports Atmanirbhar Bharat, fostering pride in cultural and economic achievements.
- Promoting Inclusivity: Diverse pilgrimage sites reinforce India’s pluralistic ethos amid cultural identity debates.
- Encouraging Critical Thinking: Selective historical focus prompts students to question national narratives in a polarized climate.
- Global Cultural Representation: UNESCO-recognized events like Maha Kumbh prepare students to showcase India’s heritage worldwide.
- Social Sensitization: Schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao address gender equality, aligning with India’s social reform agenda.
Conclusion
The NCERT Class 7 Social Science textbook for 2025 redefines education by prioritizing Indian heritage, spiritual traditions, and national achievements. While the exclusion of Mughals and Delhi Sultanate stirs debate, the focus on Maha Kumbh, Indian dynasties, and NEP 2020 principles equips students to embrace their roots and contribute to a Viksit Bharat by 2047. This curriculum paves the way for a generation that is culturally grounded and globally competent.
