NCERT releases Class 9 social science book that links historic kings to goddess‑gifted swords

NCERT unveiled the second part of its Grade 9 Social Science textbook, ‘Understanding Society — India and Beyond (Part 2)’, on Tuesday, featuring a passage that says three historic rulers obtained their swords from divine figures. Annamaraja, the former ruler of Bastar, is said to have been given a sword by the goddess Manikyadevi, also known as Danteshvari. Kumara Kampana of the Vijayanagara Empire is described as having wielded a goddess‑blessed blade against the Sultanate forces at Madurai. Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Maratha founder, is traditionally linked to a sword presented by the deity Tulja Bhavani. The book arrived roughly half a year into the school year, just as many schools were finishing their half‑year exams; the first volume had been issued in June. The chapter titled ‘Resistance and resilience’ includes a ‘Don’t miss out’ column that notes worship of goddesses such as Kali, Durga and Bhavani has long been part of Indian royal rituals, with monarchs invoking them for protection during wars. The history section traces a series of invasions on the subcontinent from the 7th century onward, attributing early incursions to both territorial ambitions and religious motives, and records the resistance of Rajputs, Ahoms, Vijayanagara, Marathas, Sikhs and Jats against Mughal, Turkish and European powers. The Bhakti tradition segment explains how devotional songs in regional languages between the 11th and 17th centuries helped forge shared identities and communal solidarity. NCERT chief Dinesh Saklani wrote in the foreword that the textbook aims to develop analytical skills, critical inquiry and intercultural understanding, preparing students for active civic participation.

Context

Including stories of goddess‑gifted swords reflects an effort to blend cultural heritage with lessons on resilience, showing how traditional narratives are used to teach values alongside factual history.