By Admin 
Controversy has arisen over an excerpt from NCERT’s Class 8 history book ‘Our Past-III’. People, especially from the Brahmin community, have expressed objection to a picture and its description given in this excerpt. He says that the interpretation of this picture has misrepresented the Brahmin community.
What is the picture given in the book and its context?
In this chapter of the book, a picture is shown in which a Brahmin man is seen gifting the Shastra i.e. the holy book to ‘Britannia’, the symbol of Britain. This picture is said to be part of the cover of the first map of India made by James Renal in the year 1782. According to history, at that time Robert Clive had entrusted the task of preparing maps of India to James Renal. The British believed that it was very important to make maps to get correct information about different areas of India and to strengthen their rule. With the help of maps, the British could better understand the geography, cities and regions of India, making administration and control easier.
What message are you trying to convey through the picture?
According to the description given in the book, an attempt has been made in this picture to show that the people of India are voluntarily handing over their sacred texts to Britannia. It has been indicated as if the British rule had come to protect the culture and traditions of India. However, historians believe that such pictures show the colonial i.e. British viewpoint of that time. The British rule often tried to portray itself as the protector and guide of India, while in reality it was also a way of justifying their rule.
NCERT gave clarification
After the controversy increased, NCERT has issued a clarification in this matter. NCERT says that the excerpt about which there is controversy was taken from their old history book ‘Hamari Atit-III’. This book was prepared on the basis of National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005. According to NCERT, this old book is no longer a part of the current syllabus. The organization has also made it clear that it does not agree with the views or intent of that piece.
Syllabus changed after new education policy
NCERT says that according to the New Education Policy (NEP 2020), new books of social sciences have been prepared. The relevant material has been rewritten in the new books and the controversial part has been removed from the current syllabus. Therefore, the material which is being discussed on social media is no longer a part of studies. NCERT also said that the aim of its textbooks is to promote understanding, balance and social harmony in the society.
Questions also raised regarding the book written in 2025-26
However, amid this claim of NCERT, some people have also raised the question that the mention of 2025-2026 session is visible on the book whose picture is being shared on social media. Discussion has also started regarding this. It is being told that NCERT may soon issue another official statement on this issue, so that the situation can be completely clear.
Also read: Who prepares the UP SI exam paper, in which there was a ruckus over the question asked on ‘Pandit’?
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