NCERT Class IX: Indian Resistance to Invasions Since 7th Century
The new NCERT Class IX textbook highlights Indian rulers and communities who resisted Arab, Turkic, Mughal, and European forces from the 7th century.
The newly released Part 2 of the NCERT Class IX Social Science textbook provides a detailed account of how the Indian subcontinent faced successive waves of invasions starting from the 7th century. According to the book, these incursions were primarily driven by a combination of territorial expansion and religious motives. The text highlights the enduring spirit of Indian rulers and various communities who mounted significant resistance against Arab, Turkic, Mughal, and European forces.
Tales of Valor: Women Rulers and Kingdoms
A significant feature of the new chapter, titled "Resistance and Resilience (1000–1700 CE)," is its focus on lesser-known female leaders who stood against invaders. The textbook brings to light the bravery of several women who shaped history:
- Queen Naiki Devi: A ruler of the Chaulukya kingdom who successfully defeated Muhammad Ghuri at Kasahrada, near Mount Abu, in 1178.
- Rani Abbakka Chowta: Ruling Ullal in present-day Karnataka from 1525 to 1570, she is credited with defeating Portuguese naval forces.
- Queen Rudrama Devi: A prominent figure of the Kakatiya dynasty who offered resistance against the Delhi Sultanate.
The textbook also notes that various dynasties, including the Hindu Shahi rulers, Chandellas, Solankis, and Chauhans, played crucial roles in resisting Turkic invaders during this era.
The Struggle of Communities and the Sikh Gurus
Beyond individual monarchs, the NCERT text details how entire communities fought against exploitation and religious policies. The Jat community, residing in the Ganga-Yamuna Doab, is highlighted for their rebellion against the Mughal Empire. Driven by heavy taxation and the religious policies of Aurangzeb, the Jats rose up under Gokul Jat in 1669. A second major uprising occurred in 1686, facilitated by the Mughal military's preoccupation with campaigns in the Deccan.
The chapter also provides a profound look at the Sikh community's history of resilience. It describes the execution of Guru Arjan Dev under Jahangir and Guru Tegh Bahadur under Aurangzeb in 1675 as pivotal moments. These events, the book states, solidified the Sikh conviction to meet persecution with firm resistance. It further discusses the establishment of the Akal Takht by Guru Hargobind and the concept of miri-piri, which integrated spiritual and temporal authority.
Military Turning Points: Mewar and Assam
The textbook recounts several military engagements that altered the course of regional history:
The Battle of Dewair
Fought near Udaipur in 1582, the Battle of Dewair was a decisive moment for the Mewar region. The conflict resulted in the collapse of vital Mughal military outposts, allowing Maharana Pratap to reclaim significant portions of his kingdom. His successor, Maharana Amar Singh, continued this legacy of resistance against Mughal advances.
Ahom Resistance in Assam
The story of the Ahom kingdom in Assam is presented as a remarkable tale of endurance. A key highlight is the Battle of Saraighat in 1671, where the Ahom commander Lachit Borphukan defeated a Mughal naval fleet. The textbook attributes the Ahoms' success against the Mughal Empire to their strategic use of guerrilla tactics, the Paik system, Assam’s unique geography, and effective alliance-building.
The Role of Faith in Warfare
Finally, the textbook explores the intersection of religious tradition and military conflict. It notes that the worship of goddesses such as Kali, Durga, and Bhavani was a long-standing tradition, with many rulers invoking different forms of Shakti as divine protectors during times of war.