India, July 16 -- By Vishu Adhana

New Delhi (India) July 16 (ANI): Akbar's reign was a "blend of brutality and tolerance", while Aurangzeb was a military ruler who banned "un-Islamic" practices and reimposed taxes on non-Muslims -- this is how the new NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook presents key Mughal emperors.

The book, to be introduced in schools from the 2025-26 academic year, marks a shift in tone in its portrayal of the Mughal emperors, offering detailed accounts of conquest, religious decisions, cultural contributions, and brutality.

The NCERT has defended the inclusion of such details, saying: "While those happenings cannot be erased or denied, it would be wrong to hold anyone today responsible for them... Understanding t...