NCERT Panel Proposes ‘Bharat’ Over ‘India’ in School Textbooks: A Controversial Move
In a significant development, a high-level committee for social sciences, established by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to revise school curriculums, has recommended replacing “India” with “Bharat” in textbooks across all classes. The committee, chaired by C I Isaac, has also proposed introducing “classical history” in lieu of “ancient history” and integrating the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) into the syllabus for all subjects.
Isaac explained that “Bharat” is an ancient name rooted in texts like the Vishnu Purana, dating back 7,000 years. The term was officially used in G20 invites and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nameplate during a summit in New Delhi.
Furthermore, the committee has suggested highlighting “Hindu victories” in various battles, addressing a perceived imbalance in historical narratives. Isaac argued that the British colonial lens divided Indian history into three phases, portraying India as lacking scientific knowledge and progress. To counter this, the committee recommended teaching the classical period of Indian history alongside medieval and modern eras.
However, NCERT Chairman Dinesh Saklani clarified that no final decision has been made on these proposals yet.
This move is part of the NCERT’s efforts to align curriculums with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Committee (NSTC) has been formed to finalize the curriculum, textbooks, and learning materials for these classes.
