New NCERT book says Indian kings received swords from goddesses to resist religion-driven invasions

NCERT’s new class nine social science textbook, released on Tuesday, mentions that many kings and princes received swords from goddesses such as Kali, Durga, and Bhavani to resist invasions since the seventh century.The chapter titled "Resistance and Resilience" in the book "Understanding Society India and Beyond-Part 2" outlines successive invasions of the Indian subcontinent since the seventh century."Annamaraja, ruler of Bastar is believed to have received his sword from Manikyadevi (Danteshvari) while Kumara Kampana (Vijayanagara) was believed to have used a goddess-given sword against the Sultanate forces at Madurai. Similarly, Shivaji is also traditionally believed to have obtained a sword from goddess Tulja Bhavani," the chapter reads.The chapter also describes religious traditions in warfare, with the worship of goddesses being a long-standing tradition.The first part of the textbook was released in June.According to the chapter cited by PTI, the subcontinent witnessed successive invasions since the seventh century which were driven by territorial expansion and religious motives.It also mentions how and when Indian rulers and communities resisted against Arab, Turkish, Mughal and European forces.The textbook also claims that Mughal brutality against Sikh gurus has few comparisons in history.According to NCERT chief Dinesh Saklani, Social Science learning at secondary level aims to encourage critical inquiry."Social Science learning at this (secondary) stage is expected to cultivate analytical and discursive abilities, encourage critical inquiry, promote intercultural understanding, and enable learners to participate with confidence and responsibility in civic and social life", Saklani said."It is in this spirit that Understanding Society: India and Beyond, the Grade 9 Social Science textbook for the Secondary Stage, has been conceptualised and developed," he added.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.