NCERT Class 9 Medieval History Textbook Revised: Check Major Changes

The new NCERT Social Science book for Class 9 called ‘Understanding Society: India and Beyond – Part 2’ covers a span of about 700 years of Indian medieval history, starting from the year 1000 AD till 1700 AD, under the title of ‘Resistance and Resilience.’

In this book, it has been said that this era was marked by challenges to Indian society from the outside world as well as preservation of its culture.

NCERT Class 9 History Book: What Has Changed?

The first part of the new Social Science textbook was released in June. The topics range across history, political science, geography, and economics.

While Part 2 dwells into detail about the history of medieval India, the topic of successive attacks, struggles, and resistance put up by the various kingdoms in India is discussed here.

The historical topic refers to the Rajputs, Ahom Kingdom, Vijayanagara Empire, Maratha kingdom, Sikhs, Jats, among others and explains how they resisted Turkish, Mughal, and European attacks in different periods of history.

NCERT Class 9 Book Mentions Goddess-Given Swords

Goddesses being worshipped during the period of war is another tradition described in the text.

Under a chapter title, ‘Bhakti Tradition: Affirmation of the Spirit of Resilience,’ it has been stated that kings and princes prayed goddesses like Kali, Durga, Bhavani and other manifestations of Shakti for protection.

Some examples of rulers who are considered to have received their swords from the goddesses are quoted in the book. In this regard, the book says that ruler of Bastar, Annamaraja is said to have received his sword from Manikyadevi (Danteshvari).

Further, it has been mentioned that Kumara Kampana of Vijayanagara had used a sword given by a goddess to fight with the Sultanate army in Madurai.

NCERT Class 9 Medieval History Focuses on Resistance

The chapters on the new history mainly cover the medieval era based on the theme of resistance to the outside world.

According to the textbook, the Indian region went through several invasions and wars, as well as discrimination and suffering from religion. The textbook also covers how regional powers resisted the forces coming into their regions militarily and culturally.

While this is the case, the textbook also covers this era as an era of survival in that the Indian society maintained its customs and values despite the outside threats.

Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Period

Very little space is dedicated to Delhi Sultanate in the text, and only some resistance of local rulers is mentioned.

Mughal age gets a bit more attention, however, the discussion still concentrates primarily on resistance. The text briefly talks about cooperative interactions between Kachwahas of Amber and Mughals and explains that Mughals also had interests in cooperating with Rajputs.

There is also a section dedicated to Mewar and Maharana Pratap's resistance against Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Ahom Kingdom and Battle of Saraighat

The text also discusses the kingdom of Ahoms in Assam. The book points out the political independence of the kingdom and the resistance of the Ahoms to the Mughals.

It is mentioned that Lachit Borphukan, the Ahom commander, defeated the Mughals in the battle of Saraighat.

The use of this example by the textbook emphasizes that resistance to outside forces did not happen only in north India.

Vijayanagara Empire and Marathas

There is another portion that deals with the Vijayanagara Empire and their efforts in fighting against the invaders.

The next chapter focuses on the Marathas and the concept of Swarajya, which means being independent or self-governed.

Sikh and Jat Resistance

The book further examines the political and spiritual fortitude of Sikhs. This includes the persecution faced by Sikh gurus and the practices followed by the Mughal Empire.

The subsequent chapter is about the Jat resistance against the Mughals due to economic reasons and religious practices of the period of Aurangzeb.

References to Temple Destruction and Reconstruction

These examples have been given in the textbook where temples have been destroyed and mosques built in their place.

In addition, there is mention of the rebuilding of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple through Todar Mal and Man Singh and then its destruction during the period of Aurangzeb and then rebuilding through Ahilyabai Holkar.

Bhakti Tradition in the New NCERT Class 9 Book

The textbook discusses the Bhakti tradition as an important part of India's religious and spiritual history.

It explains that Bhakti provided devotees with forms of worship that didn't depend entirely on temple structures, particularly when temple construction was restricted or temples were destroyed.

The book also mentions Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and a public sankirtan in Bengal in response to restrictions that the textbook attributes to a Qazi on devotional practices.

The chapter also discusses Sufism, describing it as a comparatively liberal dimension of Islam and linking it to the spread of Islam.

NCERT's Objective for the New Class 9 Social Science Book

In the foreword, the Director of NCERT, Dinesh Saklani, explains that Social Science education at the secondary level is meant to develop “analytical and discussion skills.”

This book is designed to promote critical thinking, understanding between cultures, and responsible participation in society and politics.

These books, “Understanding Society: India and Beyond,” have been produced as the Secondary Stage Social Science textbook at Grade 9 level.”

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