Ram Rajya, Upanishads, Sengol: Revised NCERT IX book traces historical roots of India’s governance
The revised NCERT Class IX book traces India's governance roots from Ram Rajya and Upanishads to the Chola dynasty's Sengol.
The revised NCERT Class IX social science textbook, titled Understanding Society: India and the Beyond, has introduced a detailed exploration of India's historical governance traditions. The book highlights how the nation has preserved its pre-colonial institutions and values, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern democracy.
Tracing Governance from Ramayana to Modernity
The new curriculum emphasizes that India's governance is not merely a product of colonial legacy but is deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions. According to the text, while colonial rule left a significant impact, India stands apart because it successfully preserved the knowledge of its pre-colonial institutions through various texts and practices.
A key highlight of the book is the discussion on Ram Rajya. The text notes that Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Ram Rajya reflects a collective Indian imagination of ideal governance. It describes Ram Rajya as a concept rooted in principles such as:
- Probity and transparency
- Compassion and welfare
- People-centric orientation in public policy
The book further mentions that the concept of good governance is enshrined in ancient epics like the Ramayana and the 16th-century text Ramcharitmanas, viewing leadership as a sacred responsibility rather than just an exercise of power.
Sacred Traditions and Institutional Mottos
The textbook illustrates how ancient Vedic and epic traditions continue to influence modern Indian institutions. It highlights how the transition from colonial to independent India saw a shift in symbolic values. For instance, while the British 'Order of the Star of India' used the motto 'Heaven's Light, Our Guide', independent India adopted 'Satyameva Jayate' from the Mundaka Upanishad.
Furthermore, the book explains the significance of the Supreme Court of India's motto, 'Yato Dharmas Tato Jayah', which is drawn from the Mahabharata. The phrase translates to "Where there is Dharma (righteous duty), there is victory," signifying the core values entrusted to the judiciary.
The Legacy of the Sengol
In a significant addition, the book discusses the Sengol, the ceremonial staff used as a cultural marker of righteous rulership. The text notes that the tradition of using the Sengol dates back over a thousand years to the Chola dynasty. This historical symbol gained modern prominence when Prime Minister Narendra Modi placed the Sengol in India's newly inaugurated Parliament building in 2023, describing it as a marker of good governance.