Karnataka government is going to amend the school books. It is reported that in this process, more attention will be given to chapters glorifying the 18th century ruler Tipu Sultan. Officials gave this information on Friday. The special thing is that the government is already facing criticism over the hijab controversy and the ban on Muslim traders in Hindu temples. Now the government has come under target of the opposition on another issue related to education.
Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister BC Nagesh said the committee has recommended amendments to the state books, especially those related to Tipu Sultan. He said, ‘I have received the report from the committee. It will come into force from the next academic year after discussion. However, during this time he did not give much information related to the process. An official on condition of anonymity said, “The report proposes to change the lessons of history on the 18th century ruler Tipu Sultan.”
An official said that the committee has asked to continue the lessons on Tipu Sultan. Whereas, parts glorifying the ruler have been suggested to be removed. However, it is not yet known which parts of the text will be removed. An official said the committee has removed some “imbalances” and kept the chapter neutral.
Opposition targeted
The committee that proposed the amendment is headed by right-wing ideologue Rohit Chakratirtha. The Congress had also raised questions on this appointment and said that it was an attempt to saffronise education. Congress MLA UT Khader said, “You (media) should ask the government why they are removing? And removing the mention of Tipu Sultan will not take away his character and contribution.
“They have also been put up in the Museum of London,” he said. When tourists go to Srirangapatna, Devanahalli and other places… these are the things they can’t move? Removing about him from the books would deprive the students of his fight against the British and the history associated with him.
After assuming power in the year 2019, the then Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa-led government had called off Tipu Jayanti celebrations. The same beginning was made by the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in 2015. In July 2020, the government had removed the chapter of Tipu Sultan from the syllabus of class 7th. However, the chapter on ruler continued to be taught in the 6th and 10th grade syllabus.