NCERT Class 9 Book Mentions Kings Using Swords ‘Given by Goddesses’: Check Details

In the new NCERT Class 9 Social Science textbook, 'Understanding Society - India and Beyond (Part 2)', it is mentioned that a few Indian kings used to be considered to have been given their swords by goddesses. These include King Annamaraja, who was the ruler of Bastar; Kumara Kampana of the Vijayanagara Empire; and King Chhatrapati Shivaji of Marathas.

The new Class 9 Social Science Part 2 textbook was launched by NCERT yesterday. This was almost six months after the new academic year commenced.

What Does the NCERT Class 9 Book Say About Goddess-Given Swords?

Chapter 6 'Resistance and Resilience' also contains a description of the Bhakti tradition. It explains the tradition of worshiping goddesses and goddesses being protectors during conflicts.

According to the textbook, goddesses like Kali, Durga, Bhavani, and various other forms of Shakti kept on being invoked by kings for protection during times of conflict.

In addition to that, the textbook provides the example of rulers who are traditionally thought to have been blessed with swords by goddesses.

According to it, it was Annamaraja, the king of Bastar, who is traditionally supposed to have received his sword from Manikyadevi (Danteshvari).

Further, it describes how the ruler of Vijayanagara, Kumara Kampana, was traditionally believed to have fought against the Sultanate forces using a sword that was given to him by the goddess.

Chhatrapati Shivaji, according to the book, is believed to have received a sword from goddess Tulja Bhavani.

NCERT Class 9 History Chapter on Resistance and Resilience

The book on Social Sciences has mentioned in detail the successive invasions of the Indian sub-continent from the 7th century onwards.

The chapter elaborates the struggles made by Indian kingdoms or groups against several forces in the course of history. The book has made reference to some Indian kingdoms and groups such as Rajputs, Ahom Kingdom, Vijayanagara Empire, Marathas, Sikhs, Jats, etc.

This chapter covers wars and fights between Mughals, Turks and Europeans as well as religious traditions of warfare.

It is said that India faced several invasions starting from the 7th century due to certain reasons such as territorial expansion and religion.

NCERT Class 9 Book Covers Bhakti Tradition

The Social Sciences textbook talks about the changes in religious and spiritual life in India from the 11th century till the 17th century.

One such aspect was the Bhakti movement where devotees would express their feelings for the Almighty through songs. These songs were composed in the language used by the common people.

In the textbooks, it has been noted that the use of local languages increased solidarity.

What NCERT Said About the New Class 9 Social Science Textbook

According to NCERT director Dinesh Saklani, Social Science education in the secondary stage is intended to cultivate analysis and discussion skills among the students.

The purpose of this textbook, according to its foreword, is to instill the habit of inquiry and understanding of other cultures as well as responsible civic engagement in students.

NCERT has prepared the Grade 9 Social Science textbook titled “Understanding Society: India and Beyond” with these considerations in mind.

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