Ramayan and Mahabharat to be added in Social Science Textbooks, suggests NCERT

The Ramayana and Mahabharata, revered Indian epics, could soon find a place in school history textbooks, according to recommendations from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Headed by Professor C I Isaac, the NCERT's Social Science Committee proposes significant changes to the current curriculum, advocating a division of the history syllabus into four distinct periods: classical, medieval, British, and modern India.

Professor C I Isaac, while discussing the suggested modifications with ANI, stated, "The panel has made recommendations for the classification of history into four periods: the classical period, the medieval period, the British era, and modern India. Till now, there have been only three classifications of Indian history - ancient, Medieval, and modern India."

The proposed inclusion of Indian epics is under the classical period category. Prof. Isaac explained, "Under the classical period, we have recommended that Indian epics--Ramayana and Mahabharata--be taught. We have recommended that the student has an idea of who Rama was and what his purpose was. A little bit about the epic."

The NCERT panel also suggests enhancing the curriculum with national heroes such as Subhash Chandra Bose, intending to provide students with insights into their struggles and victories. Additionally, a novel recommendation involves inscribing the preamble of the constitution on the walls of all classrooms in vernacular languages.

"The students must know about the Indian heroes and their struggles and victories so that they can get confidence… We have also suggested that the Preamble should be written on the walls of all classrooms in vernacular languages," Isaac added.

While these recommendations are part of the final position paper on social sciences, the proposal awaits the final approval from the NCERT before integration into the development of new textbooks.