Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma backed NCERT’s alleged removal of ‘Great’ from Akbar and Tipu Sultan’s names, welcoming the change. While RSS leader Sunil Ambekar confirmed title removal, not historical figures, the move sparked political debate. Congress MP Imran Masood criticized it as rewriting history, while VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal supported the revision, deeming Mughal glorification unacceptable. . NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday backed NCERT’s alleged move to drop the word “Great” from the names of Mughal emperor Akbar and Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan in school history textbooks. Speaking at an event in Bongaigaon, he said, “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 to. Throw him in the sea.)Sarma said he had not personally seen the revised textbooks, but if NCERT had made these changes, he welcomed them. A day earlier, RSS leader Sunil Ambekar had claimed that titles like “Akbar the Great” and “Tipu Sultan the Great” had been removed from the books, while stressing that no historical figure had been taken out. The alleged move by NCERT triggered quick political reactions. Congress MP Imran Masood criticised the change, saying it was an attempt to rewrite history and ignore the contributions of rulers who shaped the subcontinent over centuries. He argued that removing titles or names would not change historical facts and pointed to India’s prosperity during parts of their rule. “They ruled the country for 700 years. They didn’t rule for just a day or two. You removed their names, but what will the removal or addition achieve? During their rule, GDP was 27 per cent. India was also called the golden bird. They came here and perished here. The last emperor was beheaded, but he did not accept British slavery. He saw his sons’ heads adorned on a platter. But he wouldn’t accept slavery,” the Congress MP said.Masood also said those who had “bowed before the British” were now in power, and questioned why descendants of people who “betrayed Rani Lakshmibai” held ministerial posts.Congress leader K Muraleedharan also said the decision to drop the word “Great” from Akbar and Tipu Sultan was unfair. He said Akbar promoted communal harmony and gave Hindus freedom in his rule, while Tipu Sultan fought the British and died because of it. Supporting the revision, VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal said past textbooks had “distorted” history. He questioned calling Akbar “great” and said such glorification of Mughal rulers was unacceptable. “How can Akbar be great when Maharana Pratap is great? Are Akbar’s misdeeds hidden from anyone? The glorification of Babur, Humayun, Akbar, and Aurangzeb cannot be allowed on the sacred land of Maharana Pratap,” he said, thanking NCERT for the correction.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPiyush Goyal Completes Three Day Israel Visit Emphasizing Strengthened Ties And Future CooperationTrump Says He Brokered Eight Peace Deals Including India And Pakistan During Mamdani MeetUP Gears Up For Biggest Crackdown Yet As CM Yogi Mandates Detention Hubs For Illegal ImmigrantsModi, Meloni Share Warm Laughter on G20 Sidelines in Johannesburg‘In memory of our brothers’: Russian Pilot’s Heartfelt Note For Indian Tejas Pilot After Dubai Crash’Objective Is To Destroy The Enemy’: Op Sindoor Echoes As Indian Army Vows Stronger Response to PakIndian Army Chief Reveals How A Trusted Orchestra Crushed Nine Targets in Operation Sindoor BlitzManipur Sangai Festival 2025- ThemeAt G20 Summit, PM Modi Proposes Global Knowledge, Skills, Health And Security Initiatives For FutureSangai Festival 2025 Opening Ceremony123PhotostoriesFrom saunf to ajwain: 5 natural additions to water for a healthy morningToday’s travel inspiration: 6 beautiful journeys in India that are as stunning as the destinationMorning walk vs evening walk: Which one is better for weight loss?5 easy and smart tips to make long-distance relationships workFeeling the winter blues?: 6 mind-clearing habits to try at home5 style lessons to take from Italy’s PM Giorgia MeloniHansika Motwani’s rise shows her steady mix of hard work and charmFrom Bengal to B-town, actors who found fame in Hindi filmsLaughter Chefs 3: From new jodis of Vivian Dsena-Eisha Singh, Gurmeet-Debina to Tejasswi Prakash-Karan Kundrra teaming up together: Highlights from the new season3 Ayurveda-approved fruit rules to boost digestion123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayBihar Minister List 2025Bihar CM Oath CeremonyGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingAuston Matthews InjuryKim KardashianBrittany MahomesTaylor SwiftBrandon BuckinghamChris Blake GriffithJosh Allen InjuryCharvarius WardFortnite Chapter 7 LeakedCade Cunningham
NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday backed NCERT’s alleged move to drop the word “Great” from the names of Mughal emperor Akbar and Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan in school history textbooks. Speaking at an event in Bongaigaon, he said, “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 to. Throw him in the sea.)Sarma said he had not personally seen the revised textbooks, but if NCERT had made these changes, he welcomed them. A day earlier, RSS leader Sunil Ambekar had claimed that titles like “Akbar the Great” and “Tipu Sultan the Great” had been removed from the books, while stressing that no historical figure had been taken out. The alleged move by NCERT triggered quick political reactions. Congress MP Imran Masood criticised the change, saying it was an attempt to rewrite history and ignore the contributions of rulers who shaped the subcontinent over centuries. He argued that removing titles or names would not change historical facts and pointed to India’s prosperity during parts of their rule. “They ruled the country for 700 years. They didn’t rule for just a day or two. You removed their names, but what will the removal or addition achieve? During their rule, GDP was 27 per cent. India was also called the golden bird. They came here and perished here. The last emperor was beheaded, but he did not accept British slavery. He saw his sons’ heads adorned on a platter. But he wouldn’t accept slavery,” the Congress MP said.Masood also said those who had “bowed before the British” were now in power, and questioned why descendants of people who “betrayed Rani Lakshmibai” held ministerial posts.Congress leader K Muraleedharan also said the decision to drop the word “Great” from Akbar and Tipu Sultan was unfair. He said Akbar promoted communal harmony and gave Hindus freedom in his rule, while Tipu Sultan fought the British and died because of it. Supporting the revision, VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal said past textbooks had “distorted” history. He questioned calling Akbar “great” and said such glorification of Mughal rulers was unacceptable. “How can Akbar be great when Maharana Pratap is great? Are Akbar’s misdeeds hidden from anyone? The glorification of Babur, Humayun, Akbar, and Aurangzeb cannot be allowed on the sacred land of Maharana Pratap,” he said, thanking NCERT for the correction.
