Archive · 24 Jul 2025
Comparing Historical Portrayals: India and Pakistan's Textbooks
Imagine history books in India and Pakistan telling different stories about the same people!
This article compares how Indian and Pakistani textbooks talk about Akbar and Aurangzeb.
Indian books show Akbar as both good and bad, while Pakistani books are not as kind to him.
They also present Aurangzeb's actions in a different light, showing how the same events can be understood in very different ways depending on who is telling the story.
These different viewpoints shape how kids in each country understand their history and how they view each other.
Indian and Pakistani history textbooks present differing views on historical figures like Akbar and Aurangzeb.
NCERT describes Akbar as a complex figure, highlighting both brutality and tolerance.
Pakistan Studies textbooks omit or downplay actions of Akbar, such as the siege of Chittor.
Din-e-Ilahi, Akbar's attempt at religious unity, is portrayed negatively in Pakistani textbooks.
Aurangzeb's actions, like temple demolitions, are viewed differently in both sets of textbooks.
- Who
- The article analyzes the perspectives presented in Indian (NCERT) and Pakistani history textbooks.
- What
- A comparison of how Indian and Pakistani history textbooks present figures like Akbar and Aurangzeb.
- When
- The article discusses the content of recently updated textbooks.
- Where
- India and Pakistan.
- Why
- To illustrate how historical narratives can differ and shape national identity.
NCERT (India)
Pakistan Studies (Pakistan)
Akbar's Actions
NCERT (India)
Depicts Akbar's reign with both positive and negative aspects, mentioning the siege of Chittor and the destruction of temples.
Pakistan Studies (Pakistan)
Pakistan Studies textbooks do not mention the negative acts of Akbar or whitewash them.
Aurangzeb's Image
NCERT (India)
Presents Aurangzeb's actions, including demolition of temples and schools.
Pakistan Studies (Pakistan)
Characterizes Aurangzeb as tolerant and defends against claims of religious zealotry.
- Textbook Focus
- NCERT (India) and Pakistan Studies
- Key Figures
- Akbar and Aurangzeb
- Akbar's Rule (NCERT)
- Blend of brutality and tolerance
- Akbar (Pakistan Studies)
- Portrayed less favorably
- Din-e-Ilahi
- Akbar's attempt at religious unity; viewed negatively in Pakistan
- Aurangzeb (Pakistan Studies)
- Presented as tolerant