NCERT Textbook Controversy: Maratha Empire's Historical Extent and Governance of Education Content
Contents4
Indian Express - Explained · 9 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Education Mains · GS2 Governance High relevance
A PIL in Bombay HC challenges NCERT's removal of a Maratha Empire map from Class 8 textbooks, highlighting contested historical narratives and governance issues in educational content.
Key points
PIL in Bombay HC challenges NCERT's removal of a map depicting the Maratha Empire's extent in 1759 from Class 8 textbooks, alleging arbitrary action without historical evidence.
NCERT's clarification stated the map included areas under direct Maratha control, tributary states, and regions under temporary influence, but failed to include a disclaimer about approximate borders.
Political pressure from Rajasthan's royal families and politicians led NCERT to form a high-powered committee, which later removed the map without examining historical records.
Historical evidence cited by petitioners includes the 'Rajputana Gazette', Mughal-era agreements, and British records from 1822, supporting Maratha influence over Rajasthan.
Constitutional rights violations are alleged by petitioners, who claim the removal of the map undermines historical accuracy and cultural heritage.
[GS2-Governance] This controversy reflects broader governance challenges in balancing regional sensitivities with historical accuracy in educational content.
[GS1-History] The dispute over Maratha influence in Rajasthan connects to UPSC's focus on 18th-century political formations and the dynamics of empire-building in India.
Way Forward: NCERT should establish a transparent, evidence-based process for textbook revisions, involving diverse historical experts. States should collaborate to ensure educational content respects regional histories while maintaining national integrity. A permanent historical advisory council could prevent ad-hoc decisions on contentious issues.
Key terms
- PIL (Public Interest Litigation)
- A legal mechanism under Article 32/226 allowing citizens to seek judicial remedy for issues affecting public interest. This case demonstrates its role in safeguarding historical narratives and educational content as matters of public concern.
- Chauth
- A 25% tax on revenue demanded by the Marathas from territories not under their direct control, symbolizing political overlordship. Its collection patterns are key evidence in historical disputes about imperial boundaries and influence, relevant for understanding 18th-century revenue systems.
- Maratha Empire
- The Maratha Empire (1674-1818) was a dominant Indian power that expanded across much of the subcontinent under leaders like Shivaji and the Peshwas. Its administrative systems, military campaigns, and revenue collection (like chauth) significantly influenced 18th-century India's political landscape, making it crucial for understanding pre-colonial state formations.
- NCERT
- The National Council of Educational Research and Training is India's apex body for school education curriculum development. Its textbooks carry authoritative weight, making their content decisions constitutionally significant under Articles 21A (Right to Education) and 28 (freedom from religious instruction).
Practice question
The recent controversy over NCERT's removal of a map depicting the Maratha Empire's extent highlights the challenges in balancing historical accuracy with regional sensitivities. Discuss the governance issues involved in educational content regulation and suggest measures to ensure transparency and inclusivity in such decisions. (250 words, 15 marks)
GS2 15 marks 250 words Mains
Key terms to include: PIL (Public Interest Litigation) Chauth Maratha Empire NCERT Articles 21A and 28 Historical advisory council Regional sensitivities Transparency
Answer framework
Introduction
Briefly introduce the NCERT textbook controversy involving the Maratha Empire map, highlighting its significance as a governance issue in educational content regulation.
Governance Challenges
Lack of transparent processes in NCERT's decision-making, as seen in the arbitrary removal of the map without proper historical examination.
Political pressure influencing educational content, undermining academic independence and historical accuracy.
Constitutional implications under Articles 21A and 28, ensuring right to education and freedom from religious instruction.
Historical and Regional Sensitivities
Contested historical narratives, such as the Maratha Empire's influence over Rajasthan, and their impact on regional identities.
Need for inclusive representation of diverse historical perspectives in textbooks to foster national integrity.
Measures for Transparency and Inclusivity
Establishing a permanent historical advisory council with diverse experts to guide NCERT's content decisions.
Implementing evidence-based processes for textbook revisions, involving thorough examination of historical records.
Encouraging collaboration between states to ensure educational content respects regional histories while maintaining national coherence.
Conclusion
Emphasize the need for a balanced approach that upholds historical accuracy while addressing regional sensitivities, ensuring educational content remains inclusive and transparent.
Fact check
All facts verified