UPSC Relevance
GS-1: Indian History & Culture – Historical narratives
GS-2: Polity & Society – Communal harmony, constitutional values
GS-4: Ethics – Integrity in interpreting history
Key Highlights
Rising Concerns
March 2025 saw politically driven revisionism in textbooks and public narratives. Certain rulers are glorified, while others, like Aurangzeb and Babur, are demonized.
Distortion vs. Reinterpretation
Reassessing history with new evidence is legitimate.
Ideologically motivated revisionism, however, fuels polarization and hatred.
Global Examples
The Crusades, Reformation, Nazi Germany, and Israel-Palestine conflict illustrate the dangers of weaponizing history.
Significance
Misusing history undermines nation-building and risks social discord.
It threatens communal harmony and mutual respect.
Analysis & Way Forward
Encourage critical historical thinking in education.
Foster balanced; evidence-based discussions free from political motives.