Context:
The revised NCERT Class 7 Social Science textbook has expanded its treatment of early medieval invasions, especially the Ghaznavid campaigns under Mahmud of Ghazni. The revision reflects a shift towards providing greater historical detail on invasions, their motives, and their impact on Indian society, while cautioning students against misusing history.
Key Highlights:
Textbook Revision / Content Expansion:
- Expanded section on Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasions, highlighting:
- Destruction and plunder of temples.
- Religious motivations linked to Islamic expansion.
- Detailed account of 17 military campaigns into India.
- Specific references to temple plundering at:
- Mathura
- Kannauj
- Somnath
Violence and Social Impact:
- Mentions slaughter and enslavement of Indian civilians during Ghaznavid campaigns.
- Emphasises the economic motive behind targeting wealthy temples.
Other Medieval Invasions Covered:
- Muhammad Ghuri’s territorial conquests in north India.
- Campaigns of Qutb-uddin Aibak in eastern India.
- Bakhtiyar Khilji’s destruction of major Buddhist centres:
- Nalanda University
- Vikramashila University
Contextual Balance in the Textbook:
- Includes a “word of caution”, urging students to study darker historical phases to:
- Understand their causes
- Prevent their recurrence
- Notes that large parts of north India and all of south India remained outside Turkic control.
Historical References Included:
- Mentions Al-Biruni’s account of the destruction of the Somnath Shivalinga.
- Notes the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple in 1950, inaugurated by President Rajendra Prasad and funded through public donations.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Ghaznavid Invasions:
- Series of raids led by Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century.
- Driven by plunder, political ambition, and religious motives.
- Key Terms:
- Plunder: Looting of wealth during military campaigns.
- Religious Motive: Actions aimed at spreading or enforcing a religious ideology.
- Historical Impact:
- Temple destruction weakened economic and cultural centres.
- Did not result in complete political control over India.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Facts & Historical Context:
- Ghaznavid raids were primarily raids, not long-term administrative conquests.
- Later invasions under Ghuri marked a transition towards territorial rule.
- Conceptual & Static Linkages:
- Medieval Indian history, temple economy, Indo-Islamic interactions.
- Role of historical narratives in education.
- Way Forward (Pedagogical Perspective):
- Present history with factual rigor and contextual balance.
- Encourage critical thinking rather than ideological interpretation.
- Use history education to promote social harmony and informed citizenship.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS 1 (History): Early medieval India, foreign invasions, socio-cultural impact.
- GS 1 (Art & Culture): Temples, Buddhist institutions, cultural destruction and revival.
- Prelims: Ghaznavids, Mahmud of Ghazni, Al-Biruni, Nalanda, Somnath Temple.