CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: Major Changes in Maharashtra Class 6 Textbooks: What Has Changed
Mumbai. Changes made to Maharashtra’s new Class 6 history, geography and science textbooks are under discussion. The state textbook bureau, Balbharati, has introduced the revised books from the academic session 2026-27 in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The books give more space to ancient Indian scholars, traditional knowledge and modern India’s scientific achievements. At the same time, some earlier details related to social and political aspects of history have been removed or shortened.
Bhaskaracharya Alongside Newton in Science Textbook
In the new science book, Indian mathematician and astronomer Bhaskaracharya II is mentioned along with Isaac Newton during the discussion on gravity. Aryabhata’s contribution has also been included in the chapter on astronomy.
In addition, the contributions of Maharishi Charaka in the context of Ayurveda, Anna Mani in meteorology, and Gaura Devi in the Chipko movement for environmental protection have been included. The achievements of India’s space programme, including Chandrayaan-1, Mangalyaan, Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1 and the NISAR mission, are also mentioned.
Vedas, Puranas and Ujjain Mentioned in Geography
A new section on Indian geographical and astronomical traditions has been added to the new geography book. It mentions the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads and Surya Siddhanta. Traditional ideas related to the origin of the Earth and the universe have been presented alongside the Big Bang theory. The new book also refers to Ujjain’s historical astronomical role and ancient Indian astronomers’ concepts related to longitude. However, it is important to understand traditional cosmological ideas and modern scientific theories in their separate historical and scientific contexts.
What Has Been Removed From the History Book?
The new history book includes in detail Sushruta’s surgical tradition, the technique of nasal reconstruction, and Chanakya’s Arthashastra as well as his role in the rise of Chandragupta Maurya. However, the detailed account in the old book about the varna system turning into a birth-based caste system and the social inequality linked to it has now been shortened. The section mentioning the priestly class’s control over knowledge related to yajnas in the Vedic period has also been removed.
The teachings of Mahavira and Buddha have been retained, but the earlier account linking the rise of Jainism and Buddhism to caste discrimination and the social conditions of the time has been removed. The new book also does not mention foreign invasion among the possible reasons for the decline of the Harappan civilisation; instead, it lists factors such as changes in river courses, natural disasters and decline in trade.
Why Are the Curriculum Changes Being Discussed?
The changes made to the textbooks have led to debate among historians and educationists. Critics say that removing details related to the caste system, social inequality and the complexities of ancient society may give students an incomplete picture of history. On the other hand, supporters of the revised curriculum consider it necessary to give greater importance to ancient Indian knowledge and the country’s scientific achievements. To understand the purpose of the changes made in the new books and their educational impact, it will be important to see the context in which students study these subjects and how historical and scientific topics are expanded in higher classes.
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