It is time for history textbooks to reflect a broader, more inclusive vision of India’s past.
We celebrate on 8 March the International Women’s Day. In this context, it is important to remember the unsung women heroes. For decades, Indian history, as taught in schools, has suffered from glaring distortions, selective narratives, and an overt ideological bias. This misrepresentation operates at three levels: first, it is shaped mainly by a leftist worldview that dominates academia, reducing history to a battle of ideological camps; second, it marginalizes entire regions and communities, creating an incomplete and unfair picture of India’s past; third, it renders invisible the immense contributions of women, particularly those who defied the odds to shape history.
The academic establishment has long been guilty of treating history as an ideological tool rather than an objective pursuit. Indian history textbooks have long been shaped by selective memory, ideological biases, and regional distortions, producing a narrative that is neither comprehensive nor representative of Bharat’s vast and complex past.
This skewed approach glorifies certain figures while vilifying others, often amplifying North India’s history at the expense of other regions. The Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, and the British Raj dominate school curricula, while the Cholas, Vijayanagar, Pandyas, and Ahoms—who played equally significant roles in shaping India’s political, cultural, and economic landscape—are reduced to passing mentions. The consequences of such historical myopia are profound, limiting a proper understanding of India’s civilizational diversity and weakening national consciousness.
This neglect is not accidental but a product of an academic discourse long dictated by ideological preferences. A left-leaning historiography has systematically elevated certain narratives while relegating others to obscurity. Omissions are as telling as inclusions: the valiant resistance of Lachit Borphukan against the Mughals in Assam, the maritime prowess of South Indian kingdoms, and the unique administrative systems of non-Mughal polities rarely find a place in mainstream historical discussions. The result is a distorted past, where India’s multifaceted history is filtered through a singular, North India-centric lens.
More troubling is the near-erasure of women from historical narratives. History books remain overwhelmingly fixated on male rulers and warriors, reducing the contributions of women to marginal footnotes. India’s past is rich with stories of women who shaped governance, diplomacy, and warfare, yet their achievements remain buried under a patriarchal retelling of events.
A history that ignores half its population is inherently incomplete. The urgent need for course correction cannot be overstated. Indian history must break free from ideological and regional biases, embrace the richness of its diverse past, and acknowledge the contributions of all communities and genders. Only then can it be a foundation for an informed and united society.
VELU NACHIYAR AND RANI MANGAMMAL: THE FORGOTTEN WARRIOR AND STATESWOMAN
Among the countless women erased from mainstream history, two Tamil queens stand out: Velu Nachiyar and Rani Mangammal. Their remarkable lives exemplify courage, strategy, and governance, yet they remain absent from most textbooks.
Velu Nachiyar was no ordinary queen—she was a visionary warrior who waged a prolonged and successful battle against British colonial forces. Born in 1730, she was trained in warfare, weapons, and multiple languages, making her a formidable leader. She refused to surrender when the British and the Nawab of Arcot conspired to take over Sivaganga. Forced into exile, she spent eight years gathering resources, forming alliances, and planning her counterattack.
Her military campaign led to the first recorded instance of a woman leading a successful resistance against the British. The highlight of her victory was a daring act of sabotage—her commander Kuyili set herself ablaze to destroy the enemy’s ammunition depot, ensuring a crucial advantage for Nachiyar’s forces. Unlike many rulers of her time, she prioritized women in warfare, forming an all-women regiment known as the Udaiyal Padai. Her leadership and strategic acumen make her one of India’s most remarkable but unrecognized freedom fighters.
If Velu Nachiyar was a warrior, Rani Mangammal was an astute administrator. Assuming power in the late 17th century as the regent of the Madurai Nayak kingdom, she was instrumental in building infrastructure that shaped Tamil Nadu’s landscape. She commissioned vast networks of roads, water tanks, and inns for travellers, ensuring prosperity and stability. Despite ruling in a patriarchal era, she navigated complex political challenges with diplomatic skills. However, her refusal to relinquish power when her grandson came of age led to her tragic end. She was imprisoned and eventually killed, her legacy fading into obscurity. Yet, her contributions to governance, infrastructure, and diplomacy remain unparalleled.
A WELCOME CHANGE: CORRECTING THE PAST WITH TRUTH
Fortunately, the tide is turning. Over the last decade, India has witnessed a renaissance in historical scholarship that prioritizes truth over ideology. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, there has been a conscious effort to rediscover and celebrate India’s forgotten heroes, including those marginalized by mainstream historiography. His evocation of these icons from Bharat’s past first worked to bring them into the mainstream, and second, it created a general interest in knowing about the past.
Scholarly works like “Bravehearts of Bharat: Vignettes from Indian History” by Vikram Sampath and “Babur: The Chessboard King” by Aabhas Maldahiyar are breaking new ground in correcting historical biases. These efforts highlight a more balanced and inclusive approach to history, one that acknowledges both India’s triumphs and struggles without ideological filters.
This shift is not just happening at the government level. Scholars, researchers, and even the public at large are demanding an end to biased narratives. The demonization of certain historical figures and the deification of others without context are no longer acceptable. There is a growing hunger for a holistic and truthful representation of the past. Figures like Savarkar, who were unfairly vilified, are finally being examined through a lens of scholarship rather than prejudice. Likewise, the histories of subaltern groups, women, and regional leaders are being unearthed, ensuring their stories find a place in the nation’s consciousness.
Education reform is crucial in cementing this shift. It is time for history textbooks to reflect a broader, more inclusive vision of India’s past—one that acknowledges the contributions of warriors like Velu Nachiyar, administrators like Rani Mangammal, and countless others who shaped the country. The erasure of entire regions and communities must end. The inclusion of diverse perspectives will not only enrich historical understanding but also foster a sense of unity and national pride among students.
India’s history has been viewed through a narrow and often distorting lens for too long. Today, as a nation, we stand at a moment where historical narratives are being rewritten—not with ideological motives but with the pursuit of truth. Recognizing India’s rich and diverse past is not just an academic exercise; it is a step towards reclaiming the country’s identity in its fullest and truest sense.
Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is the Vice Chancellor of JNU.