NCERT new books to have ‘Bharat’ instead of India
NCERT new books to have ‘Bharat’ instead of India
National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recommended replacing the name India with “Bharat” in school textbooks, the committee’s chairperson CI Isaac was reported as saying on October 25.
The recommendation was made unanimously by the seven-member high-level committee, Isaac reportedly said, adding that it also found a mention in the final position paper on social sciences drafted by the panel.
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“The term India started being used commonly only after the establishment of the East India Company and the battle of Plassey in 1757,” Hindustan Times quoted Isaac as saying. On the other hand, the use of the term India dates back to more than 5,000 years, he added. In this backdrop, all the seven panel members decided to recommend the use of Bharat in textbooks for students in all classes, Isaac further noted.
Notably, the Article 1(1) of the Indian Constitution states that “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States”.
The development comes days after the Centre was seen promoting the use of the name Bharat, as the invitations issued for the G20 presidential dinner in September said the event was hosted by the “President of Bharat”. Subsequently, in the G20 heads of states’ meeting, the nameplate kept in front of Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mentioned the term of Bharat instead of India.
Isaac further noted that the panel has recommended the introduction of Indian Knowledge System (IKS) in curriculum for all subjects, and also suggested that ‘classical history’ should be introduced in history textbooks, instead of ‘ancient history’.
NCERT panel recommends replacing India with ‘Bharat’ in school textbooks
In the colonial British rule, the Indian history was divided into three phases – ancient, medieval and modern. This inaccurately showed the ancient Indian history as a period of darkness and lack of scientific awareness, Isaac reportedly pointed out. “Therefore, we have suggested that the classical period of Indian history be taught in schools along with medieval and modern periods,” HT further quoted him as saying.