The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has dropped references to Tipu Sultan and the Mysore Wars from its Class 8 history textbook, prompting questions in Parliament over the omission of these significant historical figures and events.
Tipu Sultan, popularly known as the “Tiger of Mysore,” was a key figure in the late 18th century who resisted British colonial advances through a series of conflicts known as the Anglo-Mysore Wars. His exclusion from the curriculum has drawn attention from several Members of Parliament, who sought an explanation from the Ministry of Education.
Responding to the queries, the government highlighted that education is a subject in the Concurrent List, meaning both the Centre and states have the authority to design curriculum content. States, therefore, may choose to include additional chapters or topics beyond the NCERT framework.
The NCERT stated that this revision is part of a larger content rationalisation process to reduce textbook load and streamline narratives. An expert committee is currently reviewing the updated syllabus, and its recommendations could lead to future modifications, including the possible reintroduction of certain historical topics.
