NCERT History Distortion Sparks Outrage: Bhawani Singh Kalvi Slams Misrepresentation of Rajput States in Class 8 Textbook.
Jaipur, Rajasthan – A fresh controversy has erupted over NCERT history distortion, as Bhawani Singh Kalvi, son of the late Karni Sena founder Lokendra Singh Kalvi, strongly condemned the misrepresentation of Rajput kingdoms in the Class 8 NCERT Social Science textbook. In a fiery statement, Kalvi accused NCERT of presenting a factually incorrect and historically misleading map in Unit 3, Page 71, which depicts Northern India including Rajasthan as part of the 18th century Maratha Empire.
This issue, now trending under the tag of NCERT history distortion, is being viewed not merely as a cartographic error but a deeper assault on historical truth, national pride, and the valor of Rajputana.
What the Map Shows
The controversial NCERT map reportedly shows the Maratha Empire’s territorial extent encompassing Rajasthan and parts of North India, a depiction that Bhawani Singh Kalvi and many historians reject as factually baseless. Rajasthan’s independent Rajput states, along with Jat ruled regions like Bharatpur and Dholpur, were known for their autonomy, cultural richness, and military might during the 18th century.
“Portraying Rajasthan as part of the Maratha Empire is not only misleading but seriously objectionable. It disrespects the sacrifices and sovereignty of the Rajput and Jat rulers who fiercely resisted Mughal, Maratha, and later British encroachments,” said Bhawani Singh Kalvi in his detailed public statement.
NCERT History Distortion or Deliberate Oversight?
The NCERT history distortion has ignited widespread debate over the intellectual integrity and academic responsibility of India’s top curriculum body. Critics argue that NCERT’s portrayal of historical maps may reflect a pattern of oversimplified or agenda-driven historiography.
Bhawani Singh Kalvi went a step further by accusing NCERT of “intellectual laziness” and called the misrepresentation an attack on nationalism and Northern Indian identity. He also drew attention to the irony of Marathi chauvinism in Mumbai, where North Indians face discrimination, while simultaneously NCERT attempts to minimize the sovereignty of historical North Indian kingdoms.
“On one hand, North Indians are attacked in Mumbai for not speaking Marathi, and on the other, NCERT insults our history by showing Rajasthan as part of the Maratha Empire. This is unacceptable.”
Demand for Rectification
Calling the issue far beyond a mere textbook error, Kalvi demanded that NCERT immediately revise the textbook and issue a public clarification. He stated that such distortions compromise the integrity of the national curriculum and undermine India’s plural and federal historical past.
This isn’t just about correcting a fact. It’s about preserving the dignity of our ancestors, our heritage, and ensuring that the younger generation learns history based on verified evidence not distorted narratives,” he said.
Bhawani Singh Kalvi has also called upon historians, educationists, and policymakers to conduct a thorough review of textbooks to prevent further NCERT history distortion. Several Rajput and Jat community leaders have echoed similar sentiments and are expected to formally approach the Education Ministry.
Suggested Reading: NCERT History Distortion: Ignored Rajput, South & Eastern Dynasties
The Bigger Question is Who Writes History?
This incident once again brings to light the contentious nature of historical representation in Indian textbooks. Scholars have long debated whether NCERT’s textbooks offer a balanced view of regional histories or lean toward certain dominant narratives. Critics say oversights like this devalue the contributions of regional powers, such as the Rajputs, Jats, Ahoms, and Sikhs, who played vital roles in resisting invasions and shaping India’s history.
Final Thoughts on NCERT History Distortion
The NCERT history distortion flagged by Bhawani Singh Kalvi is not just a battle over a map it is a battle over memory, identity, and historical truth. As Rajasthan’s proud legacy of valor and sovereignty faces potential erasure in school textbooks, voices like Kalvi’s are demanding accountability from institutions entrusted with educating India’s youth.
The onus now lies with NCERT and the Ministry of Education to correct the distortion, respect regional histories, and ensure that India’s educational materials reflect both factual integrity and cultural sensitivity.
