‘Throw Tipu In Sea’: Himanta Backs NCERT's Reported Plan To Drop ‘Great’ From Akbar, Tipu Sultan
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has voiced his support for the National Council of Educational Research and Training's (NCERT) reported decision to remove the honorific "Great" from the names of Mughal emperor Akbar and Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan in school history textbooks. Speaking at an event in Bongaigaon, Sarma welcomed the reported changes, adding, "Tipu-Ipu ko maro ekdum. Jahan bhejna hai, udhar hi bhej do. Samundar mein phek do" (Beat up that Tipu. Send him wherever you want. Throw him into the sea).
Sarma stated that he had not personally seen the revised textbooks but would welcome the changes if NCERT implemented them. He added that such historical corrections were overdue.
The remarks from the Assam CM followed claims made by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Sunil Ambekar on Friday, who stated that the NCERT had decided to omit the epithet "the great" from the names of Akbar and Tipu Sultan in the revised textbooks. Ambekar, speaking at the Orange City Literature Festival in Nagpur, described the changes as a "very good initiative". He emphasized that while no historical figures had been removed from the textbooks, the new generation should be aware of their "cruel deeds" and understand "who victimized us and from whom we should remain free".
Ambekar noted that NCERT had revised textbooks for 11 out of 15 classes and that revisions for Classes 9, 10, and 12 would be introduced the following year. He also highlighted the inclusion of India's ancient knowledge traditions in the curriculum, referencing the diverse subjects taught at Nalanda University, including literature, farming, urban planning, and political governance.
The reported move by NCERT has triggered varied political reactions. Congress MP Imran Masood criticized the decision, calling it an attempt to distort history and erase the contributions of historical figures who played a significant role in shaping the subcontinent. Masood argued that these figures ruled the country for centuries, contributing to its prosperity, and that removing their titles would not alter historical facts. He further alleged that those who "knelt before the British" are now in power and questioned the positions held by descendants of those who "betrayed Rani Lakshmibai". Similarly, Congress leader K Muraleedharan also stated that the decision to drop the word “Great” from Akbar and Tipu Sultan was unfair.
In contrast, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Vinod Bansal supported the change, claiming that historical narratives had long been "distorted". Bansal questioned how Akbar could be considered "great" when figures like Maharana Pratap existed and argued against the glorification of rulers like Babur, Humayun, Akbar, and Aurangzeb.
The debate surrounding the NCERT's reported decision reflects differing perspectives on historical narratives and their representation in educational materials. While some view the removal of the "Great" epithet as a necessary correction to historical distortions, others see it as an attempt to rewrite history and undermine the contributions of significant historical figures.
