Govt accepts revisions to social science syllabus in schools: Sources

Team Udayavani, Mar 25, 2022, 10:53 AM IST

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Bengaluru: The state government has reportedly accepted the changes proposed in the Class 6 to 10 textbooks of the Social Science subject.

According to an IANS report the Rohith Chakrathirtha-headed Textbook Revise Committee, formed by the state government in 2017 to examine some ‘sensitive’ chapters, has submitted its report. Quoting sources the report added that the government has accepted the revised syllabus and had given green signal for publication of these books for the academic year 2022-23.

Earlier, the students were taught that ‘other religions came into existence due to drawbacks of Vaidika (Hindu) religion’ which had led to a huge controversy in the state. The controversial lesson was taught to the students of Class 6.

The Rohith Chakrathirtha committee has now revised the Class 6 to 10 textbooks of the Social Science subject. Chakrathirtha is regarded as a right wing thinker and the Opposition Congress had described his appointment by the ruling BJP as an attempt to ‘saffronise’ education.

According to sources, the committee has included lessons on the Ahom dynasty, which ruled Northeast India for 600 years, the Karkota dynasty, which ruled many parts of north India and the lessons on Kashmir history also included. There is also a lesson on the controversial Baba Budangiri and Dattapeeth.

Sources said that lessons on Kashmir and Bababudangiri as well as Dattapeeth are likely to stir controversy in the state. Baba Budangiri as well as Dattapeeth have been flash points between the Hindus and Muslims in Karnataka.

Sources also explained that the committee has dropped the parts which glorified Mysuru king Tipu Sultan. But, a lesson on him is retained as it has historical significance.

B.C. Nagesh, Minister for Education, stated that the report in this regard has been received. The department has consented for revision of textbooks as per the suggestion of the committee. More details would be given later, he said.

The Class 6 social science book contained lessons that said drawbacks in the ‘Vaidika Dharma’ led to the birth of other religions in India. It was also taught that during ‘Yagnas’ animals, which were used for agriculture, were sacrificed and as foodgrains were burnt during the religious rituals, there was a shortage of food. The issue created huge controversy in Karnataka and it was alleged that the lessons promoted anti-Hindu sentiments.

With IANS inputs