As we all know, history plays a crucial role in shaping the identity and consciousness of a nation. However, in India, the school curriculum is known for overly highlighting the so-called achievements of Mughal invaders while neglecting the stories of native warriors who fought to protect their land and their people. One such forgotten hero is Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a brave, just and capable ruler and warrior whose legacy has been largely erased from mainstream history textbooks. He recently gained a lot of attention due to the Bollywood movie Chhaava, but prior to that, very few people outside Maharashtra knew about him and his legacy. His courage, resistance against Mughal tyrant Aurangzeb, and ultimate sacrifice deserve, to be recognized. This deliberate omission of his name from history books raises an important question: Should Indian history books be rewritten to present a more balanced and truthful account?
The Injustice in History Education
The current history curriculum in Indian schools is heavily biased toward glorifying foreign invaders, particularly the Mughals, while downplaying or outright neglecting native resistance leaders. Students are taught about Akbar’s so-called tolerance, Aurangzeb’s administrative policies, and Babur’s victories, but they remain largely unaware of the valiant resistance put up by Indian kings like Maharana Pratap, Rani Durgavati, Peshwa Bajirao, Raja Suheldev, Lachit Borphukan, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: The Forgotten Warrior
Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was a fierce warrior and an able ruler who carried forward his father’s legacy. His resistance against Aurangzeb’s tyranny is one of the most remarkable examples of unwavering courage in Indian history. Despite being captured, brutally tortured, and given the option to convert to Islam to save his life, Sambhaji Maharaj refused to abandon his faith, his people and his nation. His horrific execution was meant to serve as a warning to Hindus, yet it only strengthened the Maratha resistance.
Despite such an inspiring legacy, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s contributions are either reduced to footnotes or completely omitted from mainstream history textbooks. His story, which should be a source of national pride and an inspiration for future generations, is absent from the consciousness of many young Indians.
Why Is Mughal History Prioritized Over Indian Warriors?
Post-independence, Indian historians, in an attempt to promote so-called secularism, continued to prioritize invaders over our own regional and national warriors, fearing that highlighting the atrocities of invaders might create communal tensions.
However, in doing so, they have deprived generations of Indian students of their true history. Learning about invaders is essential, but it should not come at the cost of ignoring those who fought and sacrificed their lives for their people. A just ruler like Sambhaji Maharaj, who fought against religious persecution, should be held in much higher regard than any Mughal emperor.
To put it in short, if we look at the main reasons behind this glorification of invaders, it could be the following:
- British distortion of Indian history, which was started by McAulay.
- Appeasement politics in textbooks by political leaders.
- Fear of communal tensions, as we have already seen too much of such violence since 1947.
- Marxist influence on academia over the years.
- Ignorance of our regional warriors, for which our own people are to blame.
The Need for a History Curriculum Overhaul
To ensure that Indian students receive a comprehensive and balanced education, history textbooks should be rewritten with the following priorities:
- Inclusion of Native Warriors – Figures like Sambhaji Maharaj, Maharana Pratap, and Tarabai Bhosale must be given the same importance as any Mughal emperor.
- Correction of Misinformation – The glorification of invaders should be critically re-evaluated to reflect historical truths rather than political narratives.
- Focus on Regional Histories – The Marathas, Ahoms, Rajputs, and other regional powers played a significant role in shaping Indian history and should be adequately represented.
- Depiction of True Resistance – The atrocities committed by invaders should not be hidden, and the resilience of warriors like Sambhaji Maharaj should be highlighted.
Conclusion
Rewriting history books is not about erasing certain chapters but about ensuring that history is presented fairly and truthfully. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a ruler who sacrificed his life to resist foreign oppression, deserves his rightful place in Indian textbooks. It is a shame that we expect Indian students to develop a deep sense of national pride and respect for their ancestors, and yet many of us shy from teaching the true stories of the brave heroes and warriors who defended our land with bravery and valor.
Is it not ironic that now movies are doing what school textbooks should have done long ago? In conclusion, now that most of us are becoming aware of this issue, the time has come for history to be corrected and for true warriors like Sambhaji Maharaj to be honored as they rightfully deserve.
