NCERT has made major changes in the Class 8 social science textbook. The new 2025 edition includes updated content on historical figures like Babur, Akbar, and Aurangzeb. The book now presents Babur as a cruel conqueror. At the same time, Akbar is described as a ruler who showed both tolerance and cruelty.
Aurangzeb is now mentioned as someone who destroyed temples and gurdwaras. Along with these updates, the textbook highlights religious intolerance during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal rule.
Although the new books have already reached the market, NCERT has not issued any official statement regarding these changes. There is no explanation yet for why these edits were made.
To avoid controversy, NCERT has added a note in the book stating, “No one should be blamed today for the events of the past.” This move appears to be an effort to prevent misunderstandings or political disputes over the new content.
It is important to note that the NCERT had made similar changes last year, too. Chapters on the National War Memorial and Veer Abdul Hamid, a brave soldier of the 4th Grenadier Regiment (CQMH), were added to school books. However, the changes made in the 2025 edition are being considered more significant.
