Archive · 9 Dec 2025
NCERT Expands Ghaznavid Invasions Coverage in Class 7
The new Class 7 social science textbook from NCERT has a big section about Mahmud of Ghazni, a ruler who invaded India many times long ago.
The book talks about how he attacked and destroyed temples, including the famous Somnath temple, and hurt many people.
It also mentions that the Somnath temple was rebuilt later with people's donations.
The book explains that Mahmud did these things because of his religious beliefs.
There's also a warning that history books often focus more on wars than on peaceful things.
The textbook now has more details about these events than before, and it's part of a bigger plan to update school books in India.
NCERT's new Class 7 textbook includes a six-page section on the Ghaznavid invasions, detailing Mahmud of Ghazni's 17 raids into India.
The chapter describes the destruction of temples in Mathura, Kannauj, and the demolition of the Somnath temple, with the present temple being rebuilt in 1950-1951.
The textbook portrays Mahmud as a cruel and ruthless commander who targeted Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and rival Islamic sects, citing historical sources like Al-Utbi and Al-Biruni.
New additions include the destruction of Nalanda and Vikramashila by Bakhtiyar Khilji, which contributed to the decline of Buddhism in India.
The textbook also introduces sections on foreign incursions by the Hunas and Arabs, including Muhammad bin Qasim's campaign in Sindh, with details absent in the previous edition.
- Who
- NCERT, Mahmud of Ghazni, Rajendra Prasad
- What
- Expansion of Ghaznavid invasions coverage in Class 7 textbook
- When
- 2023 (textbook revision)
- Where
- India (NCERT textbooks)
- Why
- Alignment with National Education Policy 2020 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023
Historical Accuracy Advocates
Cultural Sensitivity Advocates
Inclusion of Brutal Details
Historical Accuracy Advocates
Advocates believe detailed accounts of historical brutalities are essential for accurate historical understanding and education.
Cultural Sensitivity Advocates
Opponents argue that graphic details of violence may promote negative stereotypes and historical animosity.
- Book
- Class 7 social science textbook
- Chapter
- The Ghaznavid Invasions
- Pages
- 6
- Invasions
- 17
- Temples Destroyed
- Mathura, Kannauj, Somnath
- Rebuilt Temple
- Somnath (1950-1951)
- Historical Sources
- Al-Utbi, Al-Biruni
- Education Policy
- National Education Policy 2020
Sources
Six-Page Chapter On Ghaznavids, Somnath Temple Demolition Added To New NCERT Book
New NCERT class 7 social science textbook expands coverage on Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion in detail
NCERT revamps Class 7 text with Mahmud Ghazni’s brutalities – ‘He slaughtered tens of thousands of Indians and…’
