A New Chapter for School History Books
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced sweeping changes to the Class 7 Social Science textbooks for the academic session 2025–26. In a major shift, the new curriculum eliminates chapters covering the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire, and introduces fresh content that emphasizes ancient Indian dynasties, sacred geography, and cultural milestones like the Maha Kumbh.
This restructured approach aligns closely with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, both of which advocate a stronger rootedness in India’s indigenous traditions and knowledge systems.
Mughal and Delhi Sultanate Chapters Removed
Previously, Class 7 students explored the medieval history of India through detailed discussions on the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. With the new curriculum, these segments have been entirely dropped. The historical timeline for Class 7 now concludes at the Gupta Empire, signaling a deliberate move away from the medieval period in middle school education.
An NCERT official explained that the objective was to instill pride in India’s ancient civilizational heritage, shifting the narrative towards indigenous achievements and values. However, this removal has raised concerns among historians and educationists, with debates over whether omitting key chapters could present an incomplete picture of India’s diverse history.
Spotlight on Ancient Dynasties
In place of medieval rulers, the new textbooks offer expanded coverage of prominent ancient dynasties such as the Magadha Empire, Maurya Dynasty, Shunga Dynasty, and Satavahana Dynasty. Students will delve into the political, social, economic, and cultural aspects of these dynasties, providing a deeper understanding of India’s early historical development.
This renewed focus is designed to help students appreciate the depth and richness of India’s ancient past—an era often credited with laying the foundations of Indian civilization as we know it.
India’s Sacred Geography: A New Dimension
Adding a spiritual dimension to historical studies, the updated textbooks feature an entirely new chapter titled “How the Land Becomes Sacred.”
This chapter takes students on a journey across India’s diverse religious and cultural landscapes, introducing them to pilgrimage sites revered across different faiths, including:
- Kashi and Rameshwaram (Hinduism)
- Bodh Gaya (Buddhism)
- Ajmer Sharif (Islam)
- Various sites significant to Christianity, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, and Judaism
By presenting India’s sacred geography in a multi-faith context, the curriculum aims to foster respect for pluralism and shared heritage.
Maha Kumbh: Celebrating Cultural Grandeur
One of the most notable additions to the curriculum is the Maha Kumbh Mela, described as the largest human congregation on earth.
The textbooks detail the scale, history, and significance of this massive event, where nearly 660 million people gather for spiritual purposes.
However, incidents such as the tragic stampede that once marred the festival are absent from the narrative, indicating a deliberate focus on the festival’s grandeur and spiritual ethos.
Contemporary India Makes Its Mark
In addition to historical and cultural topics, the new textbooks introduce students to key national initiatives that are shaping modern India. Programs like Make in India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and the construction of the Atal Tunnel are now part of the Social Science curriculum.
The inclusion of these contemporary developments seeks to create a bridge between historical knowledge and current affairs, enabling students to connect classroom learning with real-world progress.
One Book for All Subjects: A Structural Shift
Breaking away from the earlier model of separate textbooks for History, Geography, and Civics, the new approach consolidates all these subjects into a single volume titled Exploring Society – India and Beyond (Part 1).
This integrated format encourages a more holistic understanding of society, culture, governance, and geography. A second volume is expected later in the year, though NCERT has not yet clarified whether it will reintroduce medieval history.
A Move That Sparks Debate
While the changes align with national policy directions, they have ignited passionate debates across academic and public spheres.
Supporters hail the revisions as a long-overdue correction that centers indigenous knowledge and traditions. Critics, however, warn of potential historical gaps, arguing that the medieval period—rich with cultural syncretism and socio-political evolution—deserves due representation.
As India reimagines its education system, the revised Class 7 Social Science textbooks stand at the intersection of tradition, innovation, and identity formation.
FAQs
Why were Mughal and Delhi Sultanate chapters removed from the Class 7 curriculum?
The removal is intended to refocus history education on ancient India’s civilizational achievements, following the recommendations of NEP 2020 and NCFSE 2023.
What are the main new topics introduced?
Students will now study ancient dynasties like Magadha and Maurya, sacred religious sites across faiths, the Maha Kumbh festival, and modern government initiatives.
Will medieval history be taught in later classes?
While medieval history has been removed from Class 7, it may still be covered in higher classes. NCERT is expected to clarify this with the release of the second textbook volume.
How has the textbook structure changed?
Instead of separate books for History, Geography, and Civics, all topics are now combined into a single, integrated Social Science textbook.
What has been the public reaction?
Opinions are divided: some welcome the shift toward highlighting India’s ancient and cultural heritage, while others express concern about the exclusion of important historical eras.