Archive · 29 Sep 2026
NCERT Textbook Describes Mughal Brutality Against Sikh Gurus as Unparalleled
A new Class IX history textbook discusses how some Mughal rulers treated Sikh Gurus.
It says the treatment of Gurus Arjan Dev, Tegh Bahadur, and Gobind Singh was exceptionally harsh.
The book says Emperor Jahangir ordered Guru Arjan Dev’s execution.
It gives alleged support for Jahangir’s son Khusrau Mirza as the stated reason.
It also says Guru Hargobind was detained at Gwalior Fort.
The book explains that these events encouraged Sikhs to resist persecution and remain strong.
It discusses the Akal Takht and the ideas of spiritual and worldly authority.
The textbook also describes Jat farmer uprisings against the Mughal Empire and was released months late.
A revised NCERT Class IX textbook says Mughal brutality against several Sikh Gurus had few comparisons in history.
The book attributes the persecution to rigid religious and discriminatory practices of the Mughal state.
It says Jahangir ordered Guru Arjan Dev’s execution over alleged support for Khusrau Mirza’s rebellion.
The textbook records Guru Hargobind’s detention in Gwalior Fort and discusses the rise of Sikh resistance.
It also details 17th-century Jat farmer uprisings and reached students months after the academic session began.
- Who
- The revised NCERT Class IX Social Science textbook discusses the Mughal state, Sikh Gurus, and Jat farmers.
- What
- The textbook describes Mughal persecution of Sikh Gurus, the development of Sikh resistance, and Jat uprisings.
- When
- The textbook was reported on September 29, 2026; the events discussed mainly date from the 17th century.
- Where
- The events discussed occurred under the Mughal Empire, including Guru Hargobind’s detention at Gwalior Fort and Jat resistance in the Ganga-Yamuna Doab.
- Why
- The textbook says Mughal intervention increased as the Sikh Gurus’ socio-cultural influence grew, while taxation, exploitation, and religious policies contributed to Jat resentment.
- Textbook level
- NCERT Class IX Social Science, Part 2
- Key Gurus mentioned
- Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Tegh Bahadur, and Guru Gobind Singh
- Jahangir’s action
- The textbook says Jahangir ordered Guru Arjan Dev’s execution over alleged support for Khusrau Mirza.
- Guru Hargobind
- The book records his detention by Jahangir at Gwalior Fort.
- Sikh response
- The textbook links persecution to firm resistance, resilience, collective organisation, and armed resistance when required.
- Jat resistance
- The chapter describes two major 17th-century uprisings by Jat farmers against the Mughal Empire.
- Release timing
- The revised textbook reached students months after the academic session began.