NCERT's Recent Textbooks Updates

NCERT's recent textbook revisions include the addition of DNA analysis findings from Rakhigarhi that support the continuity of ancient Indian culture.

1. Other notable changes include highlighting Ahom victories, using honorifics for Shivaji, and modifying historically loaded words like "rebel" to "revolt."

Key Facts about Rakhigarhi:

1. Location: Rakhigarhi is a significant Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) site situated in Haryana's Hisar district, on the Ghaggar-Hakra river plain.

2. Significance:

   1. It is one of the largest IVC sites, located on the banks of the now-dry Sarasvati River.
   2. 3 distinct layers of the Early, Mature, and Late phases of the IVC have been identified at Rakhigarhi.

3. Major Findings:

   1. Rakhigarhi has yielded various artifacts, including a drainage system, lanes, a jewellery unit, copper and gold jewellery, terracotta toys, earthen pots, seals, a burnt-brick wall, semi-precious stones, and 2 female skeletons buried with pottery and adornments.
   2. Notably, a cylindrical seal with 5 Harappan characters on one side and an alligator symbol on the other was discovered at the site.

4. DNA Analysis:

   1. Rakhigarhi's DNA analysis suggests a genetic continuity between the IVC inhabitants and contemporary populations, potentially challenging previous theories of large-scale migrations.
   2. This finding reinforces the theory of an indigenous origin for the IVC, one of the world's ancient civilizations.

About the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT):

1. Background:

   1. NCERT is an autonomous body established by the Government of India in 1961.
   2. Its purpose is to advise the Central and State Governments on policies and programs aimed at improving the quality of school education.

2. Objectives:

   1. NCERT and its constituent units focus on conducting research in school education, developing textbooks and educational materials, training teachers, promoting innovative teaching methods, collaborating with educational organizations, and working towards achieving Universal Elementary Education goals.

3. NCERT and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:

   1. As per the NEP 2020, NCERT has the primary responsibility of developing National Curriculum Frameworks (NCFs) for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), School Education, and Adult Education.

Ahom Dynasty:

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680 CE):

The Ahom dynasty ruled over the present region of Assam in northeastern India for a significant period from 1228 to 1826 CE.   They gained recognition for their unwavering resistance against prominent empires, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience.   Battle of Saraighat: This battle holds great importance in Ahom history as it was a decisive naval encounter that took place in 1671 between the Ahom Kingdom and the powerful Mughal Empire. The Ahom army was victorious in this battle, which dealt a decisive blow to Mughal expansionist ambitions in Assam. This battle is considered a milestone in Ahom history, demonstrating their strategic skills and military power and having a lasting impact on the region.

Chhatrapati Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha Empire, a powerful force in western India that challenged Mughal dominance.   Shivaji's innovative guerrilla warfare tactics, utilizing mobility and surprise attacks, gave him an advantage over the larger Mughal forces. He implemented administrative and economic reforms. These included the introduction of 2 taxes, the Chauth and Sardeshmukhi, and the division of his kingdom into 4 provinces, each headed by a Mamlatdar. Shivaji abolished the Jagirdari System, a land tenure system in which land was granted to jagirdars (military chiefs) in exchange for military service, and replaced it with the Ryotwari System, a land revenue system in which revenue was collected directly from individual farmers.

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