NCERT Recent Revisions in School Textbooks | 19 Apr 2024

Source: TH

Why in News?

NCERT's latest textbook revisions include adding findings from DNA analysis at Rakhigarhi, emphasising ancient Indian continuity. Other major changes include highlighting Ahom victories, using honorifics for Shivaji, and rephrasing terms like "rebel" to "revolt" in historical contexts.

What are the Key Facts Related to Rakhigarhi?

  • Location: Rakhigarhi is an archaeological site situated in the Hisar district of Haryana and is located in the Ghaggar-Hakra river plain.
  • Significance: It is one of the largest Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) sites and is situated on the banks of the now-dry Sarasvati River.
    • Three layers of Early, Mature and Late phases of Indus Valley civilization have been found at Rakhigarhi.
  • Major Findings: Drainage system, lanes, jewelry unit, copper and gold jewelry, terracotta toys, earthen pots, seals, a burnt-brick wall (possibility of a walled settlement), semi-precious stones such as agate and carnelian, two female skeletons buried with a plethora of pottery and adorned jewellery etc.
    • An important find from this site is a cylindrical seal with 5 Harappan characters on one side and a symbol of an alligator on the other.
  • DNA Analysis of Rakhigarhi: It suggests a genetic continuity between the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) inhabitants and modern populations, potentially challenging previous theories of large-scale migrations.
    • This finding adds weight to the argument for an indigenous origin of the IVC, a major civilization of the ancient world.

What is NCERT?

  • About: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is an autonomous organisation set up in 1961 by the Government of India to assist and advise the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education.
  • Objective: NCERT and its units aim to conduct research in school education, create textbooks and educational materials, train teachers, promote innovative teaching methods, collaborate with educational entities, and work towards Universal Elementary Education goals.
  • NCERT and NEP 2020: As per the National Education Policy 2020, NCERT is the nodal agency to develop National Curriculum Frameworks (NCFs) for: Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), School Education, and Adult Education.
Ahom Dynasty: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680 CE):
  • The Ahom dynasty (1228-1826 CE) ruled over present-day Assam in northeastern India. They were known for their resistance against powerful empires.
  • Battle of Saraighat: It was a significant naval battle fought in 1671 between the Ahom Kingdom and the Mughal Empire.
    • Ahom had a decisive Ahom victory against the Mughal Empire, halting Mughal expansion into Assam.
    • This battle is considered a landmark in Ahom history.
  • Shivaji established the Maratha Empire, a significant power in western India that challenged Mughal dominance.
  • He employed innovative guerrilla warfare tactics, using mobility and surprise attacks to his advantage against larger Mughal forces.
    • He introduced the collection of two taxes called the Chauth and Sardeshmukhi. He also divided his kingdom into four provinces, each headed by a Mamlatdar.
    • He abolished the Jagirdari System and replaced it with the Ryotwari System.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQ)

Q. With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2017)

  1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.
  2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper
  3. and iron.
  4. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: C

Q. Which of the following characterizes/characterizes the people of Indus Civilization? (2013)

  1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
  2. They worshiped both male and female deities.
  3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of the statements given above is correct

Ans: B