NCERT's new Class IX textbook puts medieval resistance front and centre — from Naiki Devi's rout of Ghuri to Lachit Borphukan

NEW DELHI: NCERT's new Class IX social science textbook has placed those who resisted conquest at the centre of medieval India's story — a striking reframing of how the period is taught, opening with accounts such as Queen Naiki Devi's defeat of Muhammad Ghuri in 1178 near Mount Abu. At the same time, the text acknowledges cooperation across faiths, within a wider curricular shift that connects India's traditions with contemporary governance and lessons in taxation, insurance and entrepreneurship.

A six-chapter overhaul across subjects

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. The revised text follows the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. Its geography chapters are titled "Oceans and Life" and "Life on Earth".

Resistance and resilience take centre stage

The history chapter, "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. The chapter also examines temple destruction and restoration, alongside the role of trade and Bhakti traditions in sustaining communities.

Nuance alongside the narrative of defiance

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 the era as one of "both conflict and cooperation".

Governance lessons rooted in tradition and policy

The governance portion invokes 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, while Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 illustrates coordination between governments, institutions and citizens. The chapter also addresses the misuse of public office and unequal access to services, and students are encouraged to consider their own role in governance — including providing feedback and holding public authorities accountable.

Economics gets practical: taxes, budgets and business plans

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, with paying taxes presented as a civic responsibility.

Two structural changes to the original plan

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".