The newly revised NCERT Class 12 Political Science textbook, issued last week, has made substantial revisions to its treatment of the Ayodhya conflict. One of the most noticeable changes is the removal of the name “Babri Masjid.” Instead, the textbook refers to it as a “three-domed structure,” according to The Indian Express. Furthermore, the section about Ayodhya has been reduced from four to two pages, with some key elements from the previous edition eliminated.
Key Omissions
The new textbook omits significant historical details like:
- The BJP’s Rath Yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya.
- The involvement of Kar Sevaks.
- The communal violence that ensued after the Babri Masjid was demolished on December 6, 1992.
- The installation of President’s rule in BJP-controlled states.
- The BJP expressed sadness for the Ayodhya incident.
Previously, the NCERT announced certain revisions, such as removing at least three references to the demolition and focusing more on the Ram Janmabhoomi campaign. However, the entire scope of the changes has only lately been revealed.
Changes in Description
Previously, the textbook represented the Babri Masjid as a 16th-century mosque built by Mughal Emperor Babur’s General Mir Baqi. The updated text now refers to it as “a three-dome structure (that) was built at the site of Shri Ram’s birthplace in 1528,” emphasizing Hindu symbolism and relics on both the inside and outside.
The old textbook documented both sides’ mobilisation when the masjid’s locks were opened in February 1986, as well as the subsequent communal tension and the mosque’s demolition, which was followed by bloodshed in January 1993. This detailed account has been replaced by a brief paragraph describing the events, removing allusions to communal violence and political consequences.
New additions.
A new subsection called “From Legal Proceedings to Amicable Acceptance” has been introduced. This section discusses the Supreme Court’s 2019 decision on the Ayodhya dispute, focusing on the legal resolution process and the construction of the Ram temple. It also admits that the Sunni Central Waqf Board has made provisions for a mosque.
Visual and content changes
The updated textbook has eliminated images of newspaper headlines, critical judicial observations that were present in the old edition. These have been replaced by excerpts from the 2019 Supreme Court verdict. This marks the fourth update of NCERT textbooks since 2014, reflecting recent political and judicial developments.
Conclusion
The modifications in the NCERT Class 12 Political Science textbook reflect a shift in the portrayal of the Ayodhya dispute, with a greater emphasis on the legal resolution and construction of the Ram temple while ignoring the details of the communal and political turbulence surrounding the event. These adjustments have spurred debates regarding how historical events are represented in instructional materials and how they affect students’ comprehension of India’s complex history.
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