NCERT Class 9 Textbook Cites Manusmriti — Sparks Debate Over Women's History
A newly introduced Class 9 textbook published by India's National Council of Educational Research and Training has drawn sharp criticism after including references to the ancient Hindu legal text Manusmriti. The book, distributed across schools in multiple states this academic year, discusses how women's social position was portrayed in early versus later historical periods. Education officials in New Delhi confirmed the textbook is part of the revised National Curriculum Framework, which updated content for approximately 35 million students enrolled in Class 9 across the country.
What the Textbook Says
The NCERT Class 9 textbook includes a passage referencing Manusmriti while examining ancient Indian society. According to the text, women's status in early Vedic periods was considered relatively elevated, and it was only in subsequent centuries that their position in social hierarchies declined. The passage appears in the history section examining the evolution of gender relations through different periods of Indian civilization.
Education ministry representatives stated the inclusion aimed to provide students with a critical understanding of how social attitudes shifted over time. The text does not endorse Manusmriti but rather uses it as a historical marker to illustrate changing perspectives on women's roles in society.
The Manusmriti Controversy
Manusmriti, composed roughly 2,000 years ago, is one of the oldest known legal texts associated with Hindu tradition. It has long been a subject of intense scholarly and political debate in India. Reformers and women's rights activists have historically criticized certain verses in the text that prescribe subordinate roles for women, while traditional scholars argue such verses must be understood within their historical context.
The inclusion of any reference to Manusmriti in school curricula has repeatedly sparked controversy. In 2022, the Rajasthan state government faced similar criticism when references appeared in educational materials, eventually leading to partial rollback of those sections after protests from women's organizations.
Academic Response
Historians and educators have offered conflicting views on the textbook's approach. Some academic specialists in ancient Indian history argued that contextualizing Manusmriti within a broader historical narrative is educationally sound. Others warned that presenting such texts without extensive critical framing could be misinterpreted by young readers.
Dr. Anita Desai, a historian at Delhi University who was not involved in drafting the curriculum, told local media that textbooks must strike a careful balance between historical accuracy and social responsibility. "Students at this age are forming their understanding of society," she noted. "The way controversial texts are presented can significantly influence their interpretation."
Political and Social Reactions
The controversy has drawn responses from across the political spectrum. Women's rights organizations in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai have organized small demonstrations outside NCERT offices, calling for the removal of specific passages. A petition circulating online has gathered over 100,000 signatures, demanding that the education ministry issue clarifications about the pedagogical approach used.
Meanwhile, some cultural organizations have defended the textbook's inclusion, arguing that students should learn about all aspects of Indian history, including texts that have shaped social norms. They contend that editing out controversial material prevents young people from developing critical thinking skills.
Parent and Student Concerns
Parents across several states have expressed worry about the messages their children are receiving in history classes. In Bengaluru, a group of parent-teacher associations wrote to the Karnataka education department requesting clarification on how teachers should handle discussions around the topic. Similar requests have come from schools in Pune and Hyderabad.
Students themselves appear divided. While some Class 9 pupils said they found the historical context useful for understanding social evolution, others described feeling confused about why the text was included at all.
NCERT's Position
The council released a statement defending its curriculum decisions, emphasizing that the textbook does not promote any particular viewpoint but rather presents historical evidence for analytical study. NCERT Director Secretary Rajesh Kumar stated that the revised curriculum underwent extensive review by academic experts before finalization. He added that teacher training modules accompanying the new textbooks include specific guidance on discussing sensitive historical material.
The statement also noted that NCERT has previously included references to Manusmriti in older editions of history textbooks without generating comparable controversy. The difference, some analysts suggest, lies in the specific framing and placement of the reference within the current edition.
What's Next
The education ministry has announced it will review feedback received from schools and civil society organizations over the next three months. Officials indicated they may issue supplementary guidance to teachers or consider amendments to the textbook in future print runs. The current academic year runs until April, meaning any changes would likely take effect for students entering Class 9 in the 2025 academic session.
Women's affairs activists have said they will continue monitoring how the material is being taught in classrooms. They have called for an open public consultation before any permanent decisions are made about curriculum content. Education observers suggest this episode may reignite broader debates about how India's complex social history should be presented to the next generation of students.
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