Hyderabad: Historian Ram Puniyani strongly condemned the distortion of history in textbooks. He said history always reflected the mix of rulers, religion, and ambition. He warned that separating these for political gain creates hatred among communities.
He spoke at a seminar on “Distortion of History in Textbooks and Its Consequences,” held at Madina Education Centre, Nampally, on Sunday. The All India Professionals Congress organised the event.
Puniyani criticised the rewriting of history to suit political motives. He said records prove Mughal emperor Akbar defeated Maharana Pratap in battle, yet the Rajasthan government rewrote textbooks to show otherwise.
He added that research by the Richard Eaton Research Trust found Aurangzeb destroyed ten temples but donated to over fifty, including Kamakhya and Mahakaleshwar.
Speakers condemn falsified historical narratives
Puniyani said untouchability and caste oppression helped Islam spread in India. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he said Islam’s rise resembled a liberation movement for oppressed castes.
Akunuri Murali, Chairman of the Telangana Education Commission, said the new education policy cannot be accepted blindly or rejected completely.
Speakers Prof. Padmaja Shah, Dr. Kanchan, Lateef, and Mariya Tabassum condemned the distortion of history in textbooks. They said false lessons were sowing hatred in young minds.
