In a significant development, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has decided to remove the reference to the ‘Babri Masjid’ from its Class 12 Political Science textbook, as reported by The Indian Express. This change marks a notable shift in the way historical events are presented in educational materials.

The disputed structure, originally constructed by a general of the Mughal emperor Babur atop an existing Ram temple, has now been renamed the ‘three-domed structure.’ This alteration aims to rectify the previous naming and address the historical contention surrounding the site.

Previously, the textbook described the site as a “16th century mosque built by Mughal emperor Babur’s General Mir Baqi.” This description has now been updated to reflect the recent changes and provide a more neutral perspective on the structure's history.

The decision by NCERT to rename the structure is seen as a move to align educational content with historical corrections and sensitivities. The term ‘three-domed structure’ is intended to be a more accurate and neutral descriptor, avoiding the controversies associated with the previous name.

This update in the textbook is part of a broader effort by NCERT to ensure that the content in educational materials is factual, unbiased, and sensitive to historical disputes. By referring to the structure as the ‘three-domed structure,’ NCERT aims to present a balanced view that acknowledges the historical complexities without taking sides.

Furthermore, this change reflects ongoing discussions and debates in Indian society about how historical events and sites should be represented in educational content. The renaming is not just a simple correction but part of a larger narrative of how history is taught and perceived in schools across the country.

The NCERT's decision has sparked various reactions, with some viewing it as a positive step towards historical accuracy, while others see it as an attempt to rewrite history. Regardless, this change highlights the importance of careful consideration in the portrayal of historical events in educational materials.

Correction and Addition of Historical Context

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has made a significant update to its Class 12 Political Science textbook. This update involves a revision of how the historical structure at Ayodhya is described. The previous mention has been replaced with a more detailed description: "a three-dome structure (that) was built at the site of Shri Ram’s birthplace in 1528, but the structure had visible displays of Hindu symbols and relics in its interior as well as its exterior portions." This new wording aims to provide students with a clearer understanding of the structure's architectural features and the cultural elements it encompasses.

Additionally, the textbook now explicitly states that "the disputed structure was constructed at the site of [a] Hindu temple." This clarification intends to provide historical context about the origins of the site and the nature of the disputes surrounding it.

Further enriching the historical narrative, the textbook discusses a significant legal development: "In 1986, the situation regarding the three-dome structure took a significant turn when the Faizabad (now Ayodhya) district court ruled to unlock the structure, allowing people to worship there. The dispute had been going on for many decades as it was believed that the three-dome structure was built at Shri Ram’s birthplace after demolition of a temple," it reads. This entry highlights the long-standing controversy and the legal milestone in 1986 that altered the course of the dispute, providing students with a comprehensive view of the historical, cultural, and legal dimensions of the issue.

The NCERT book now discusses the Supreme Court's decisive 5-0 verdict, which facilitated the reconstruction of the Ram Mandir at the birthplace of Shri Ram, accompanied by the Pran Prathistha ceremony. This section provides educational insights into a significant legal resolution in India.

The text elaborates, "The verdict allotted the disputed site to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust for the construction of the Ram temple and directed the concerned government to allot an appropriate site for the construction of a Mosque to the Sunni Central Waqf Board. In this way, democracy gives room for conflict resolution in a plural society like ours, upholding the inclusive spirit of the Constitution. This issue was resolved following the due process of law based on evidence such as archaeological excavations and historical records. The Supreme Court’s decision was celebrated by the society at large. It is a classic example of consensus building on a sensitive issue that shows the maturity of democratic ethos which are civilizationally ingrained in India," illustrating the legal and cultural implications of this verdict.

Additionally, the textbooks highlight that they have been revised for the fourth time since 2017, aiming to reduce the syllabus burden and address disruptions in learning caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. This update signifies NCERT's ongoing efforts to adapt educational content to current events and societal needs, ensuring that students receive relevant and accurate information.

Response of NCERT to Textbook Revisions

In a recent conversation with PTI, NCERT director Dinesh Prasad Saklani shared insights on the rationale behind revising the Class 12 textbook, particularly in how historical conflicts are presented. "Why should we teach students about riots?" he questioned, articulating a fundamental concern about the educational impact of such content. Saklani highlighted that the objective of education should be to foster constructive, not destructive, mindsets: "The purpose of the textbook was not to create violent, depressed citizens.”

Saklani further emphasized the educational philosophy guiding textbook content, stating, "Hatred, violence are not the subjects of teaching in school... (They) shouldn’t be focus of textbooks," reinforcing the idea that education should promote understanding and peace rather than conflict and division. He also noted that adaptability is crucial in educational materials: "If anything becomes irrelevant, it will have to be changed." This approach underscores the dynamic nature of educational content, which must evolve to remain relevant and beneficial to students.

Additionally, NCERT clarified earlier in April this year the ongoing updates to textbooks: "Content is updated as per latest development in politics. Text on Ayodhya issue has been thoroughly revised because of the latest changes brought by the Supreme Court’s Constitutional bench verdict and its widespread welcoming reception.” This statement reflects NCERT's commitment to providing students with current and contextually relevant information, ensuring that education not only keeps pace with but also comprehensively explains contemporary developments.

These revisions are part of a broader strategy to ensure that the educational materials provided to students help in building a more informed, thoughtful, and cohesive society.