NEW DELHI: NCERT's Curriculum Reform Committee has recommended changing the name of the country from 'India' to 'Bharat' in social studies books up to Plus Two and emphasizing the achievements of Indian kings. The committee directed to implement the recommendation in the next year. Meanwhile, NCERT Chairman Dinesh Saklani said that no decision has been taken in this regard.

The recommendation is made by a seven-member committee formed under the leadership of historian and Malayali CI Issac to revise the textbooks as part of the National Education Policy. Isaac announced that the name 'India' would be replaced by 'Bharat' and the term 'Ancient History' by 'Classical History' in the textbooks. Indian Knowledge System (IKS) should be included in all subjects.

"Bharat is a very old name. The name 'Bharat' was used in ancient texts like the 7,000-year-old Vishnu Purana. The name 'India' came into use after the Battle of Plassey in 1757 and the formation of the East India Company. India or Bharat is mentioned in the Constitution as well. Article 1(1) of the Constitution states 'India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.' Therefore, the committee unanimously recommended that the name 'Bharat' should be used in textbooks for students across classes," Issac said.

Other members of the committee are ICHR Chairperson Raghuvendra Tanwar, Jawaharlal Nehru University lecturer Professor Vandana Mishra, Deccan College Deemed University former VC Vasanth Shinde and sociology lecturer Mamta Yadav.

Classical history to highlight achievements of Hindu kings

Ancient history is being changed to 'classical history' to highlight the achievements of Hindu kings. Currently, the textbooks contain lessons about the failures of Hindu kings. Issac, who is also a member of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), said that the victories of Hindu kings against the Sultans are not being taught to children.

"Textbooks have ignored the lives of kings, including Marthanda Varma. The present system of study is that developed by the British. They divided Indian history into ancient, medieval and modern periods. In the ancient section, India is shown as a dark age without scientific knowledge and progress. That is why the syllabus is being revised by replacing ancient history with classical history," Issac said.