National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) books may include key excerpts from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. The High Level Social Sciences Committee of NCERT has recommended that Ramayana and Mahabharata should be taught in schools as part of the history curriculum. Additionally, the committee has also suggested inclusion of Indian knowledge systems, Vedas and Ayurveda in the textbooks.
The main focus in the committee’s suggestions was on the history curriculum. The committee has recommended classifying history into 4 periods. The committee says that history should be classified into classical period, medieval period, British era and modern India. Till now there have been only three classifications of history, it includes ancient history, medieval history and modern Indian history. These three periods are taught in all classes.
Can become part of epics
The committee says that Ramayana and Mahabharata should be taught under the classical period in history. The committee said that students should know who Ram was and what was his purpose. It is important for students to have basic knowledge about these epics. If this proposal is approved then some important excerpts related to Ramayana and Mahabharata can be included in the books. The committee has recommended that space should be given to all the dynasties that ruled India in the textbooks instead of just 1 or 2. Information about heroes like Subhash Chandra Bose should also be included. This will give students a chance to know about Indian heroes and their struggles. The committee has also suggested that the introduction should be written in local languages on the walls of all classrooms.