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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Forgotten heroes, Sikh Gurus' defiance of Mughal persecution in focus in NCERT's new class 8 book
Stories of resistance and resilience, such as the rise of the Marathas , the contribution of women like Tarabai and Ahilyabai Holkar, the defiance of Sikh Gurus in the face of Mughal persecution , and tribal uprisings are in focus in the NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook. The book, "Exploring Society: India and Beyond", released this week, is also the first in the new NCERT curriculum to introduce students to the Delhi Sultanate , Mughals , Marathas and the colonial era. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Product Management others MCA MBA Cybersecurity Management Public Policy healthcare Digital Marketing CXO Degree Leadership Project Management Design Thinking Data Analytics Finance Operations Management Others Healthcare Data Science Data Science PGDM Technology Artificial Intelligence Skills you'll gain: Creating Effective Product Roadmap User Research & Translating it to Product Design Key Metrics via Product Analytics Hand-On Projects Using Cutting Edge Tools Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Product Management Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Product Strategy & Competitive Advantage Tactics Product Development Processes & Market Orientations Product Analytics & Data-Driven Decision Making Agile Development, Design Thinking, & Product Leadership Duration: 40 Weeks IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate in Product Management Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Product Strategy & Roadmapping User-Centric Product Design Agile Product Development Market Analysis & Product Launch Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate in Product Management Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Forgotten heroes occupy a significant space in the book with figures like Rani Durgavati, Rani Abakka, and Travancore's Marthanda Varma profiled alongside chapters exploring India's cultural knowledge traditions and its rich skill heritage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologist Reveals: The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Undo At the beginning of the book is a section titled "Note on Some Darker Periods in History", where the NCERT offers context for the inclusion of sensitive and violent events, primarily war and bloodshed. It urges students to understand "the historical origin of cruel violence, abusive misrule or misplaced ambitions of power" dispassionately and states, "No one should be held responsible today for events of the past." Live Events In the new book, the chapter covering Indian history from the 13th to the 17th century - "Reshaping India's Political Map" - spans the rise and fall of the Delhi Sultanate and the resistance to it, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Mughals and the resistance to them, and the rise of the Sikhs. Describing Babur as a "brutal and ruthless conqueror, slaughtering entire populations of cities" and Aurangzeb as a military ruler who destroyed temples and gurdwaras, the NCERT's new textbook points to "many instances of religious intolerance" during the Mughal period. While it notes Akbar's reign as a "blend of brutality and tolerance" for different faiths, it also mentions that "non-Muslims were kept in a minority in the higher echelons of the administration". Akbar is portrayed as having "ordered the massacre of some 30,000 civilians" after the siege of Chittorgarh. The Marathas are depicted not only for their military might under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but also for their maritime supremacy and governance innovations. The Sikh Gurus' resistance to Mughal oppression is discussed in detail, highlighting their role in confronting injustice and preserving a distinct identity in challenging times. The textbook also delves into colonial-era revolts such as the Sanyasi-Fakir rebellion, the Indigo uprising, and the Great Rebellion of 1857, "offering students a more inclusive picture of struggle beyond the familiar narratives", said a faculty member of the textbook committee of NCERT.


India.com
7 days ago
- India.com
If Netflix Made A Horror Series On Indore, These Legends Would Be The Plot
Seeped in fascinating ancient culture while keeping up with modern ways, the city of Indore is located at the heart of Madhya Pradesh. The streets of the city are filled with industrial activity, which showcases Indore's contemporary side. Alongside the modernity, Indore possesses myths and stories that many people have not heard of, providing a glimpse into the city's heritage. The amalgamation of such ancient tales, along with contemporary culture, and the bustling industry contributes greatly to Indore's identity. Story of Ahilyabai Holkar One of the most known and loved rulers in Indore's history is Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. Legend has it that she was wise, compassionate, and dedicated to her people. What is truly remarkable about her, is the myth that surrounds her tale, which gives her story an extra edge. Goddess Annapurna is said to have come in her dreams and told her to construct temples all over the Indian subcontinent. Inspired by such dreams, Ahilyabai set out on a mission to restore the spiritual heritage of India by building temples of Kashi and Rameswaram. In addition, many other folk legends narrate how she could foresee problems before they occurred and take steps to ensure the destruction of Indore was avoided. She became saintly in the eyes of her people for saving Indore from countless disasters that would have resulted in great destruction. Facts At A Glance: Holkar ruled over Indore from 1767 to 1795. She is renowned for constructing many ghats and temples, including the renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. Curse of Patalpani Waterfalls Situated close to Indore is the astounding Patalpani waterfall that is steeped in lore and fiction. According to the local legend, these waterfalls are linked to the `Patal` (netherworld). The story goes that people touring these waterfalls will suffer terrible consequences if they approach them with bad intentions or show irreverence to nature. Some village folk indeed believe that due to multiple drownings and accidents that have occurred there, the place is cursed. A wandering holy man who we are told used to meditate at Patalpani had cursed the site because of its wanton visitors disrupting him. Now revered as the god of these slothful people, he claimed the soft smiling face of Patalpani would cruelly snuff life from the careless. While enjoying this lovely spot locals take caution for her oncoming wrath. Patalpani is now a popular picnic spot. Facts At A Glance: The beautiful Patalpani Waterfall is located about 35 kilometers from Indore. Its height exceeds 300 feet and is prismatic like during the streams of monsoons. Ghost of Chhatri Bagh Chhatri Bagh isn't just a beautiful garden adorned with cenotaphs and exquisite architecture, but it also has its share of legends. One of which is a tale about a ghostly figure that reportedly roams the gardens at night. Some people claim it is a Holkar king's spirit that still keeps an eye on his dynasty's legacy. As the years have gone by, these ghostly stories have become even more bizarre. Many night guards and locals claim to have spotted some ghostly figures or listened to whispering voices. Even with the eerie stories surrounding it, Chhatri Bagh is still considered to be a monument of Indore's phenomenal history and is a must visit for all historians. Quick Facts: Chhatri Bagh contains several cenotaphs of the Holkar rulers. The area becomes lit up during the night, looking absolutely magical. Mysterious Idol of Khajrana Ganesh Temple Chaotic as it might seem, the Khajrana Ganesh temple is one of Indore's most famous temples- people from different parts of the country flock during holidays to visit it. Very few people know the legend surrounding its inception though. It is said that the idol of Lord Ganesha was buried in the ground to be shielded from Mughal invaders. It was later rediscovered by a local follower after he was revealed in a dream. Many miracles are connected with this temple. Devotees assert that their wishes are granted after offering prayers here, and the faith is so deep that even politicians and other big shots tend to visit the temple for its blessings. Quick Facts: The temple was built by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar. The idol of Ganesha is done in a rare black stone. Tale Of The Rajwada's Secret Tunnel Rajwada, indore's historic palace is an extravagant architecture and astonishing stories amalgamated in one. Among its intriguing tales, the foremost is the famed secret tunnel said to be hidden under the palace. Proponents' skirt story tells that this tunnel links Rajwada with neighboring forts, and provides an avenue for escape during times of invasions. As much as it would be fascinating if history did have more conclusive evidence towards this line of thought, the story has certainly added some flavor to locals and historians. Some senior citizens even say that the tunnel has magical guardians who make sure that it remains a mystery to everyone but those with a good and pure heart. This enhances the attractiveness of Rajwada and indeed makes the building look elignet. Fast Facts: Rajwada is more than 200 years old and was built by the Holkar dynasty. Withstanding many fires, the palace continues to be a mark of Indore's fortitude. Wrapping Up The fables and folklore of Indore are much more than fanciful tales; they form an intrinsic part of the city's culture which connects its rich history with the modern world. The stories that have been narrated over the years capture the 'believability' and 'creativity' of people who have dwelt in Indore. From appreciating the 'spiritual' heritage of Ahilyabai Holkar to the enigma that is Rajwada and the stunning Khajrana Ganesh Temple, one can see that these legends beautify each inch of the city. So, the next time you roam the streets of Indore, make sure to look closer. You will hear the stories of the city's heroes.


Indian Express
04-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Back in public eye: Madhya Pradesh minister who put party in a spot with remarks on Col Sofiya Qureshi
After his remarks on Operation Sindoor caused an uproar, Madhya Pradesh Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah made his first public appearance in 17 days when he visited the family of a rape-murder victim in Khandwa. Shah was booked by the Madhya Pradesh Police last month after saying in a public meeting in Mhow on May 11 that India taught a lesson to those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack using 'their own sister'. While he did not name anyone, it has been alleged that he was alluding to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had briefed the media when Operation Sindoor was underway. The minister is now under investigation by a Supreme Court-ordered special investigation team (SIT), and had not been seen in public until May 28, when he visited the grieving family of a woman who was gangraped and murdered in Khandwa district's Khalwa region. Both the Madhya Pradesh High Court and the Supreme Court have reprimanded the minister for his statement, and Shah has apologised for the comments three times. The ruling BJP went into damage control mode, and the central leadership of the party is yet to take a call on Shah's future. While his visit to Khandwa on May 28 marks his first public outing since the backlash, he did not speak to the media. Local BJP sources said Shah spent over two hours with the victim's family and promised both financial support and systemic interventions. He reportedly handed over a Rs 60,000 cheque, committed to building a tin roof for the family's house, and promised further financial assistance, sources said. 'He also said that a young girl in the family who had dropped out of school would be re-enrolled. Monthly monitoring meetings are to be initiated in the area to track school dropouts,' a BJP leader said. The Opposition Congress had launched a sarcastic 'missing minister' campaign, plastering posters across Indore and Bhopal with his photograph and a mock reward of Rs 11,000 for anyone who could find him. During this period, Shah skipped the special Cabinet meeting in the historic Rajwada palace to commemorate regional icon, Ahilyabai Holkar, on May 20 and another special Cabinet meeting hosted in the scenic town of Pachmarhi on Tuesday, to honour tribal icon and freedom fighter, Raja Bhabhoot Singh. Shah had also skipped the 300th birth anniversary events of Ahilyabai Holkar, for which Prime Minister Narendra Modi had arrived in Bhopal on May 31. The Supreme Court has extended the operation of its interim order protecting Shah from arrest. It also closed the suo motu proceedings pending before the Madhya Pradesh High Court as it is already seized of the matter. The SIT had submitted its report to the Supreme Court, which contained investigation details like forensic evidence, and sought more time for the probe.


The Wire
03-06-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
Silent on Trump's Claims, Modi Hits the Road With Op Sindoor Blitzkrieg
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Politics Silent on Trump's Claims, Modi Hits the Road With Op Sindoor Blitzkrieg Sravasti Dasgupta 7 minutes ago West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has accused him of "political holi" with Operation Sindoor Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conducted back to back rallies across multiple states including Bihar, Gujarat, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh highlighting the success of Operation Sindoor as posters adorn streets and flower petals are showered on him. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has accused him of 'political holi' with Operation Sindoor and said that the prime minister should respect women for whom sindoor is a matter of self respect. Meanwhile, Modi has maintained silence over the Trump administration informing a New York federal court in a written filing that US president Donald Trump used trade access as an incentive to 'avert a full-scale war' between India and Pakistan. The Modi government is also celebrating India surpassing Japan as the fourth largest economy even as a NITI Aayog member himself says this will happen at the end of 2025 and experts caution against any celebration. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News George Fernandes: A Man of Many Contradictions 'Lack of Self-Assurance or Deliberate Obfuscation': RJD MP in Letter to PM Demanding Special Parliament Session Rewriting Haldighati's Legacy: Pride, Politics, or Peril? All India Radio Trichy FM Goes Hindi By Night, Draws Ire Trump's Coercive Attack on Harvard is Part of a Deeper Crisis That Universities Face Today BJP Denies Reports of Using Col Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh as Campaign Faces A Look at the Left Govt in Kerala and the Times It Emboldened the Sangh The Grand Tamasha of Jammu and Kashmir Politics A Queen's Legacy: The BJP's Ahilyabai Holkar Campaign and the Gadariyas' Demand for Real Power About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.


Indian Express
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Today in Politics: Rahul Gandhi to launch MP Cong revival campaign; second phase of Ram Mandir consecration
Days after the All India Congress Committee (AICC) appointed district observers to oversee the party's organisational revamp in Madhya Pradesh, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is set to lead a series of meetings in Bhopal as part of the Congress's 'Sangathan Srajan Abhiyan (Organisation Rejuvenation Campaign)' on Tuesday. The campaign, which had been approved by the Congress Working Committee (CWC) at a meeting in Karnataka's Belagavi in December 2024, aims to prepare the party ahead of the 2028 Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh. The move is part of a larger national effort to restructure the party's state units. On Tuesday, Gandhi will launch the campaign in Madhya Pradesh, where the Congress has been diminished since its government collapsed in 2020. The Congress suffered an overwhelming defeat in the 2023 Assembly polls, winning just 66 of the state's 234 seats. In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP swept all 29 of the state's Parliamentary seats. 'The abhiyan is being launched to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots level and instill enthusiasm among party workers. We have not been in power in Madhya Pradesh for a long time,' former state party chief Arun Yadav and ex-minister Sajjan Verma said on Monday. While in Bhopal, Gandhi will attend a meeting of the state Congress's Political Affairs Committee, followed by meetings with all party MPs and MLAs from the state, observers appointed both by the AICC and the state unit. He will also attend a party convention with members of the state committee, district and block presidents, and AICC members. Gandhi's visit comes just over a week after the state Congress launched a pilot project in the Vidisha district to restructure the party from the grassroots level. Meanwhile, the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government is set to hold a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday in Pachmarhi to honour the legacy of tribal king Raja Bhabhut Singh. According to officials, Pachmarhi holds historical significance due to the contributions of the Gond ruler, who utilised the hilly terrain for governance, security, and the protection of cultural heritage. The BJP has been making special efforts to commemorate regional icons recently. While the Madhya Pradesh government held a recent Cabinet meeting at the Rajwada Palace in Indore to mark the 300th birth anniversary year of famed queen Ahilyabai Holkar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 31 attended a 'Mahila Sashaktikaran Maha Sammelan' in Bhopal that also honoured Ahilyabai Holkar. Second phase of Ram Mandir consecration The second phase of the consecration ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya will begin on Tuesday, officials said. As a precursor to the 'pran pratishtha', a grand sacred procession was flagged off from the banks of the Saryu River on Monday. According to an official statement, the upcoming rituals will include the consecration of idols in the Ram Darbar on the temple's first floor and in six other temples within the complex walls. The main ceremonies will culminate on June 5, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Ganga Dussehra. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is scheduled to attend four key events, including the main consecration ceremony. No public invitations have been issued for June 3 to 5. A similar three-day celebration was held on January 11, marking the first anniversary of the original 'pran pratishtha' that was led by PM Modi in January last year. Speaker Om Birla in Brazil Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is in Brazil to participate in the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, where he is scheduled to present his views on reform of multilateral peace and security architecture. Birla is leading the Indian parliamentary delegation for the three-day forum, which will be attended by presiding officers of parliaments of BRICS members and invited nations. The delegation comprises Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Rajya Sabha member Surendra Singh Nagar, Lok Sabha members Vijay Baghel, Vivek Thakur and Shabari Byreddy. Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh and Rajya Sabha Secretary General P C Mody are also part of the delegation. – With PTI inputs