NCERT Removes Mughal Empire and Delhi Sultanate Chapters: Understanding the Changes
Published: April 28, 2025 | Author: Genspark Editorial
A comprehensive look at the recent NCERT textbook changes that removed the Mughal Empire and Delhi Sultanate units from Class 7 curriculum.
Overview of Recent Curriculum Changes
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has made significant changes to its Class 7 Social Science textbooks in 2025, following the National Education Policy (NEP) and National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023. Notably, all references and chapters on the Mughal Empire and Delhi Sultanate have been removed. In their place, the new textbooks emphasize ancient Indian dynasties, sacred geography, Indian traditions, knowledge systems, and recent government initiatives.
The restructuring is meant to “root education in Indian ethos” and introduce “global perspectives in an age-appropriate manner.”
What Has Been Removed?
- Entire chapters and references to the Mughal Empire, Delhi Sultanate, and their rulers (Tughlaqs, Khaljis, Mamluks, Lodis) from Class 7 textbooks have been omitted.
- Earlier rationalisations (2022–23) had already trimmed sections on Mughal emperors’ achievements and detailed historical tables. These are now gone.
Economic Times Source - The previous textbook, Our Pasts-II, covered medieval Indian history, especially chapters on the Delhi Sultanate and Mughals.
What Has Replaced These Units?
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Chapters on Ancient Indian Dynasties: The new Social Science textbook, “Exploring Society: India and Beyond”, focuses on the rise and achievements of ancient dynasties such as the Magadha, Mauryas, Shungas, Sātavāhanas, with brief mentions of Greeks (like Alexander’s incursion) and Indian responses.
The Print: Details on New Chapters - “How the Land Becomes Sacred”: New focus on Indian pilgrimage traditions and sacred geography—such as the Char Dham, Jyotirlingas, Shakti Peethas, and river confluences. Also includes references to sacred sites from other religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Sikhism).
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Spotlight on the Maha Kumbh: The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj receives prominent mention, with details on its cultural and spiritual importance and the participation of over 660 million pilgrims.
Tribune India Coverage - Other Notable Additions: Integration of terms from Sanskrit and Indian languages, such as janapada, samrāj, adhirāja. Chapters on the Indian Constitution and fundamental rights, including stories about flag hoisting and public participation in draft legislation. References to initiatives like “Make in India,” “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao,” and the Atal Tunnel.
Reactions and Debates
The changes have received a mixed response. Critics—especially from opposition figures and some historians—label it as “saffronisation of history” and accuse the NCERT of erasing important segments of medieval history. NCERT officials contend that the restructuring is age-appropriate and prioritises “positive values and Indian knowledge.” More: WION News
It is important to note that the current book is just Part-1; future content updates might reintroduce or rebalance some topics.
Read More & Official Sources
- Economic Times: Mughals, Delhi Sultanate dropped; ‘sacred geography’, Maha Kumbh added [Main Breaking News]
- The Print: Magadha, Mauryas, Sunga replace Mughals in new Class 7
- Tribune India: Mughals, Delhi Sultanate dropped; ‘Make in India’, Maha Kumbh new additions
- WION News: Full List of New Changes to Class 7 Textbooks
- Hindustan Times: NCERT drops all portions on Mughals, Delhi Sultanate, adds about Maha Kumbh
