NCERT textbook under fire for map showing Jaisalmer in Maratha empire

A new Class 8 Social Science textbook released by NCERT has drawn criticism over a map that shows Jaisalmer as part of the Maratha empire in 1759.

The depiction has prompted a strong objection from Chaitanya Raj Singh, a member of Jaisalmer’s former royal family, who has called the map historically inaccurate and misleading.

Singh took to X to express his concerns, saying, “The map shown in the Class 8 NCERT Social Science textbook (Unit 3, page number 71) shows Jaisalmer as part of the then Maratha Empire, which is historically misleading, factless, and seriously objectionable.”

He pointed out that there is no historical evidence to support the claim that the Marathas ever held control or influence over Jaisalmer.

"There is no mention of Maratha hegemony, invasion, taxation, or dominance anywhere in the authentic historical sources available in the context of the Jaisalmer princely state. On the contrary, it is also clearly mentioned in our state books that the Marathas never had any interference in the Jaisalmer princely state,” he added.

He went on to question the credibility of NCERT for publishing what he described as baseless and unverified information.

“This type of unconfirmed and historical evidence-less information not only puts a question mark on the credibility of institutions like NCERT but also hurts our glorious history and public sentiments. This issue does not seem to be just a textbook error but an attempt to tarnish the sacrifices, sovereignty, and valor of our ancestors," he wrote.

Urging Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to look into the matter, Singh appealed for urgent rectification.

“Honourable Education Minister Shri @dpradhanbjp Ji, on behalf of the entire Jaisalmer family, I would like to draw your attention to this burning issue that this type of erroneous, malicious, and agenda-driven presentation made by NCERT should be taken seriously, and immediate corrections should be made,” he posted.

He added, “This is not just a fact correction but a matter related to our historical dignity, self-respect, and the integrity of the national curriculum. Quick and concrete action is expected on this issue.”

The revised textbook includes a chapter dedicated to the Marathas, shifting from the older Class 7 history book, where their rise was part of a broader narrative on 18th-century political formations.

The new material outlines the Maratha expansion into regions across present-day Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and other northern areas.

The book notes, "The Marathas in the north marched through the Gangetic Doab and reached Delhi and Punjab. They expelled the son of Ahmad Shah Abdali from Punjab. They collected tributes from the Mughal emperor and the governor of Sirhind."

It adds, "Thus, the year 1760 marked the phenomenal rise of Maratha power. Their frontier extended on the north to the Indus and Himalayas and on the south nearly to the extremity of the peninsula; all the territory within those limits that was not their own paid tribute."

The textbook also references the 1752 treaty between the Mughals and Marathas, which allowed the Marathas to collect ‘chauth’ (taxes) from various Mughal-controlled areas in exchange for providing protection.

Unlike the older version, which included two maps without boundary lines and showed only directional arrows for expansion, the updated textbook attempts to demarcate regions of influence, which has now become the center of debate over historical accuracy.