NCERT text spotlights resistance in medieval India history for Class IX

The emphasis on resistance comes with qualifications. Akbar’s later rule is described as relatively inclusive; Sufism receives attention, while Muslim poets Raskhan and Rahim feature among Bhakti contributors. The chapter describes a period of “both conflict and cooperation”.

NEW DELHI: NCERT’s new Class IX social science textbook puts those who resisted conquest at the centre of medieval India’s story, recounting, for instance, Queen Naiki Devi’s defeat of Muhammad Ghuri in 1178 near Mount Abu.

The account also acknowledges cooperation across faiths, within a wider curricular shift connecting India’s traditions with contemporary governance and lessons in taxation, insurance and entrepreneurship.The new six-chapter Part 2 of “Understanding Society: India and Beyond” covers history, geography, political science and economics. It continues an overhaul of the earlier syllabus in which class IX history opened with the French Revolution, while economics focused on village production, poverty and food security.

It follows the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. Its geography chapters cover “Oceans and Life” and “Life on Earth”.“Resistance and Resilience (1000–1700 CE)” foregrounds Maharana Pratap’s resistance, Lachit Borphukan’s victory at Saraighat and Sikh opposition to Mughal persecution. Rani Abbakka Chowta’s resistance to the Portuguese extends the account beyond confrontations with Muslim rulers.

It examines temple destruction and restoration, alongside the role of trade and Bhakti traditions in sustaining communities.The emphasis on resistance comes with qualifications. Akbar’s later rule is described as relatively inclusive; Sufism receives attention, while Muslim poets Raskhan and Rahim feature among Bhakti contributors. The chapter describes a period of “both conflict and cooperation”.Governance lessons invoke Mahatma Gandhi’s conception of Ram Rajya, the Sengol’s Chola associations and the ancient sources of institutional mottos.

NEP 2020 is called “an excellent example” of policymaking through consultation, expert advice and public participation. The chapter also addresses misuse of public office and unequal access to services. Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 illustrates coordination between the govts, institutions and the citizens.

Students are encouraged to consider their own role in governance, including providing feedback and holding public authorities accountable.Economics becomes more directly practical: students work through income-tax slabs, examine borrowing and investment risks and learn business planning. Ayushman Bharat illustrates health insurance, while entrepreneurship is linked to Viksit Bharat 2047. Lijjat Papad and hotelier Mohan Singh Oberoi provide business case studies. Exercises ask students to examine household budgets, research tax-return filing and prepare their own business plans.

Paying taxes is presented as a civic responsibility.The book’s introduction explicitly records two changes to the earlier plan — “Governance and Public Policy” replaces “Authority”, while “India and the World-I” moves to Class X. NCERT says these adjustments make learning “more coherent, age-appropriate and connected”.