The decision by Rajasthan's Education Minister to burn school textbooks that glorify Mughal emperor Akbar has ignited a significant controversy across the state.
As per the Hindustan Times report, the minister defended the move, arguing that Akbar’s legacy has been distorted in current educational materials. He also emphasised the need for new textbooks that offer what he claims is a more accurate portrayal of Indian history.
According to reports from News18, Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar declared that Akbar will no longer be taught as a "great" figure in the state’s schools. He criticised the Mughal emperor, accusing him of plundering the country and asserting that no one should be allowed to praise Akbar as a "great personality" in the future. This declaration has further fueled the controversy, underscoring the deep divisions over how India's historical figures should be portrayed in educational settings. The announcement has been met with fierce criticism from opposition parties. They have accused the government of attempting to rewrite history to fit a specific ideological agenda, undermining historical scholarship's integrity.
The directive has also sparked a heated debate among historians. Some scholars have come forward to defend Akbar, highlighting his historical significance as a ruler known for promoting religious tolerance and progressive policies. They argue that Akbar’s contributions to Indian history are pivotal and should not be erased or minimized in educational curricula. "Akbar's reign was a time of cultural and religious synthesis. To ignore this is to deny a crucial part of our history," stated a prominent historian.
Conversely, other historians have supported the minister's decision, contending that episodes of tyranny also marked Akbar's reign and that his portrayal in school textbooks has often been excessively idealised. They argue that revising the narrative must present a more balanced view of history. "History should not be romanticised. It's important to provide students with a complete picture, even if it challenges long-held beliefs," said another historian.
The Rajasthan Education Department has been tasked with developing these new textbooks, which the minister claims will present a more nuanced and balanced account of Indian history. This initiative has only intensified the ongoing debate about the role of history in education and the responsibility of educational authorities to ensure that historical representation is accurate and comprehensive.
As the state prepares to implement these changes, the controversy is expected to persist, raising questions about how history will be taught in schools and how it will impact future generations' understanding of their past. The debate is a stark reminder of textbooks' robust role in shaping collective memory and identity.