A controversy is deepening in Rajasthan over a disputed textbook related to the history subject for the eleventh and twelfth grades. The book, "Swarnim Bharat After Independence," had recently become the center of discussion, and now the state government has formally banned it.
Rajasthan Politics: A major controversy has once again erupted in Rajasthan regarding history education. State Education Minister Madan Dilawar has announced that the book "Swarnim Bharat After Independence," which is taught in classes 11 and 12, has been banned. Following this decision, political rhetoric and ideological clashes have intensified in Rajasthan's education sector.
Why was the book banned?
The allegations against this book are that it "excessively glorifies" the Gandhi family and presents certain historical facts unilaterally. Education Minister Madan Dilawar said that the book was poisoning the minds of students. If such poison has been bought by spending crores of rupees, it cannot be consumed.
He clearly stated that Akbar will no longer be taught as 'great' in the state, but Akbar's mention should be, according to him, as a "rapist." This statement naturally became the center of intense reaction.
Controversy over the Education Minister's statement
According to information, this book had already reached many schools in the state and more than four lakh copies of it had been published. Some private schools had also started teaching it at the beginning of the session. However, the marks of this book are not added to the final result of the board examination, it was only used as supplementary reading material.
Madan Dilawar's controversial statement — in which he refused to consider Akbar as great, calling him a 'rapist' — has created deep disagreement among historians, educationists, and political parties. Questions are being raised about such views on history, whether it is appropriate to change historical perspectives on the basis of political ideology.
Congress targeted
The Congress party has bly criticized this decision. Former minister Pratap Singh Khachariawas said, "Madan Dilawar doesn't even have control over his own ministry. He is taking such decisions without any academic review, which can be dangerous for the youth." Congress leaders believe that this decision is motivated by a political agenda and aims to distort history.
History books in India have often been the center of political debates. While some believe that history should be written from a new perspective, many scholars say that history should be taught impartially based on facts.
