NCERT releases new Class 9 textbook featuring historical religious warfare traditions

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released a new Class 9 social science textbook titled ‘Understanding Society India and Beyond-Part 2’. The book includes a chapter titled ‘Resistance and Resilience’ which documents various invasions of the Indian subcontinent since the seventh century.

The text describes religious traditions in warfare, noting that many Indian rulers and princes invoked goddesses such as Kali, Durga, and Bhavani as protectors during conflicts. Specifically, the textbook mentions that the ruler of Bastar, Annamaraja, is believed to have received a sword from Manikyadevi, while Kumara Kampana of Vijayanagara is said to have used a goddess-given sword against Sultanate forces. It also notes the tradition that Shivaji obtained a sword from the goddess Tulja Bhavani.

NCERT chief Dinesh Saklani stated that the social science curriculum at the secondary stage is designed to foster analytical abilities, critical inquiry, and intercultural understanding among learners.