History twisted? Jaisalmer royals slam NCERT textbook map linking region to Maratha Empire

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: The former royal family of Jaisalmer has strongly objected to a new NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook that presents the historical princely state as part of the Maratha Empire. Chaitanya Raj Singh, representing the erstwhile royal family, took to social media to criticise the map printed in Unit 3, Page 71 of the textbook, calling it historically wrong and damaging to local heritage.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Singh said: “The map shown in the NCERT Social Science textbook for Class 8 (Unit 3, page number 71) depicts Jaisalmer as a part of the then Maratha Empire, which is historically misleading, factually baseless, and deeply objectionable. Such unverified and historically unsubstantiated information not only raises questions about the credibility of institutions like NCERT but also hurts our glorious history and public sentiments."

He added that this is not just a minor mistake but appears to be an attack on the "sacrifices, sovereignty, and valorous saga" of Jaisalmer’s ancestors.

Chaitanya Raj Singh further argued that no historical records or credible sources suggest any Maratha influence, taxation, invasion, or administrative control over Jaisalmer. "On the contrary, our royal records clearly state that the Maratha never had any interference in the Jaisalmer princely state," he added.

Singh directly appealed to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, requesting immediate action and correction of the map content. “Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan ji, on behalf of the entire Jaisalmer family, I wish to draw your attention to this burning issue and urge that such erroneous, malicious, and agenda-driven presentations by NCERT be taken seriously and corrected immediately. This is not just a matter of factual correction but is connected to our historical dignity, self-respect, and the integrity of the national curriculum."

Textbook changes spark wider debate on Indian history content

The new NCERT Class 8 textbook, Exploring Society: India and Beyond – Grade 8, Part 1, is set to be introduced from the 2025–26 academic year. It aims to offer a more detailed and inclusive account of Indian history.

The revised textbook now includes expanded sections on Maratha leaders such as Shivaji, Bajirao I, Mahadji Shinde, and Nana Phadnavis. A previously brief chapter on the Marathas has been extended from just 1.5 pages to 22 pages, beginning with Shivaji’s rise and his coronation at Raigad Fort.

It also covers Sikh history, regional dynasties, and rulers like Narasimhadeva I, offering a broader overview than earlier editions.

Apart from the Marathas, the new book marks a change in the tone used to describe the Mughal emperors, with more focus on their conquests, religious policies, cultural legacy, and acts of brutality.

With ANI inputs