Rajasthan Education Minister: Akbar Will No Longer Be Taught as ‘Great’ in Schools

Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar announced that Mughal emperor Akbar would no longer be taught as a great figure in the state’s school curriculum. Speaking at the 28th state-level “Bhama Shah Samman Samaroh” at Udaipur’s Sukhadia University, Dilawar criticized Akbar, accusing him of plundering the country for years, and declared that praising him as a ‘great personality’ would not be allowed in the future.

The minister expressed disappointment that historical figures like Maharana Pratap, who fought valiantly for Mewar’s honour, were not given due recognition. He emphasized the importance of education and assured that funds contributed by Bhama Shahs for educational purposes would be used appropriately.

Earlier, in January, Dilawar referred to Akbar as “a rapist” and called for the removal of any references to him as a “great personality” in school textbooks. He criticized the existing curriculum for containing misleading information about Indian historical figures, including Veer Savarkar and Shivaji. Dilawar also condemned the portrayal of Shivaji as ‘Pahadi Chuha’ (Mountain Rat) and highlighted the need to properly honour Maharana Pratap’s legacy.

Dilawar praised Rajasthan’s tradition of Bhama Shahs, crediting former Chief Minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat for initiating cooperation from Bhama Shahs in 1997. He highlighted Rajasthan’s legacy of sacrifice, valour, and heroism, recalling how Bhama Shah donated his entire wealth to Maharana Pratap during his exile in the forests.

The minister concluded by celebrating Rajasthan as a land of great men, acknowledging the inspirational legacies of Maharana Pratap, Bhama Shah, and tribal leader Govind Guru.

Source: News 18