Rajasthan Education Minister Announces Removal of 'Akbar the Great' from School Curriculum

UDAIPUR, Rajasthan — In a significant development, Rajasthan's Education Minister, Madan Dilawar, announced that the title 'Akbar the Great' will no longer be taught in the state's school curriculum. The announcement, made during the 28th State-Level Bhamashah Award Ceremony in Udaipur, is likely to reignite the longstanding debate over the historical figures of Maharana Pratap and Akbar in the region.

Maharana Pratap Above All, Says Minister

Minister Dilawar emphasized that no one is greater than Maharana Pratap, a revered figure in Mewar and Rajasthan. He criticized the glorification of Akbar, arguing that the Mughal emperor looted the country for years and does not deserve the title of 'great.' "Those who teach Akbar as 'great' will not progress," Dilawar asserted.

This announcement marks another instance of Dilawar's controversial statements regarding Akbar. He questioned how a man who organized Meena Bazaars and abducted women could be considered great. The audience at the ceremony responded with applause, signaling support for the minister's stance.

Akbar: A Controversial Figure in Rajasthan

Dilawar's remarks have sparked discussions, particularly in Mewar, where Maharana Pratap is celebrated as a hero who resisted Akbar's rule. The minister went further to declare that anyone who teaches Akbar as 'great' is an enemy of Mewar and Rajasthan. He vowed that from now on, no textbooks in Rajasthan will depict Akbar in such a light.

Previous Controversies

This isn't the first time Dilawar has made headlines for his views on education. He has previously accused the Congress party of 'saffronizing' education and has been vocal about his opposition to Akbar being portrayed as a great ruler. In the past, he stirred controversy by advocating for Surya Namaskar in schools and making statements about uniformity in school dress codes, which also included comments on the wearing of hijabs.

Political Implications

Dilawar's announcement is expected to have significant political implications, as it touches on the sensitive issue of historical interpretation in the state's education system. The Congress party has frequently accused him of pushing a communal agenda through the education curriculum, a charge that Dilawar has consistently denied.

As Rajasthan prepares for upcoming elections, this move is likely to be a topic of intense debate, with various political factions weighing in on the decision to remove 'Akbar the Great' from school textbooks.

Conclusion

The decision to stop teaching Akbar as 'great' in Rajasthan's schools is a bold move that reflects the ongoing cultural and political battles over historical narratives in the state. With strong reactions from both supporters and critics, this change in the education curriculum is sure to fuel further discussion about how history should be taught and remembered in Rajasthan.