Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar has sparked controversy with his remarks on Mughal rulers, stating that they were invaders who looted and plundered India and should not be glorified in history.
Speaking on the subject, Dilawar emphasized the need to teach history that inspires and energizes people, rather than celebrating rulers who, according to him, inflicted suffering on Indians.
“The Mughal rulers were not from our country; they came from outside as invaders. They looted, plundered, and attacked this country. We should teach such things that can energize and inspire our people,” he said.
Taking a direct dig at Emperor Akbar, Dilawar referenced the Meena Bazaar, alleging that it was a setting for exploitation. “History also says that he (Akbar) used to organize Meena Bazaar, where he claimed only women would come, but our sisters and daughters were kidnapped, molested, tortured, and raped. How can we call such people great? They were aggressive, evil invaders,” he added.
His comments come amid an ongoing debate about the portrayal of Mughal history in school curricula. Several right-wing groups have been advocating for a revision of history books, arguing that Indian heroes should be given more prominence over foreign rulers.
While his statement has received support from some quarters, others have criticized it as an attempt to distort historical narratives for political purposes. The state education policy is expected to reflect these sentiments, with a possible revision of textbooks to focus more on indigenous rulers and freedom fighters.
