BENGAL RECASTS HISTORY TEXTBOOKS, ADDING MOOKERJEE’S LEGACY WHILE REDUCING MUGHAL CONTENT

October 1, 2026

The West Bengal government is preparing significant changes to the state’s school history curriculum, with the life and contributions of Syama Prasad Mookerjee set to receive greater attention while portions of Mughal history are reportedly being reduced.

The proposed revisions form part of a broader effort to reshape the teaching of history in schools. Mookerjee, an educationist and political leader who founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, is expected to be featured in the curriculum from the 2027 academic session, with his political career, role in the formation of West Bengal and contributions to public life among the subjects under consideration.

The move follows the state government’s decision to introduce Mookerjee’s life and legacy across educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities. The education department has been tasked with taking steps to incorporate relevant material into the curriculum and develop resources for students and researchers.

At the same time, the reported reduction of Mughal-era content has raised broader questions about the selection and representation of historical periods in school textbooks. The extent of the proposed changes, including which topics may be shortened or revised, will depend on the curriculum review and the final decisions of the relevant academic bodies.

The revisions come amid wider discussions about how Indian history should be taught, including the representation of regional figures, political movements and developments across different historical periods. The inclusion of Mookerjee is expected to bring greater focus to Bengal’s political history and the events surrounding the Partition of India.

The changes are likely to attract attention from historians, educators and academic institutions, particularly over the balance between introducing additional historical perspectives and maintaining comprehensive coverage of the past.

The final curriculum structure and the specific chapters to be modified are expected to become clearer as the state proceeds with the textbook revision process.