In recent years, debates around Indian history textbooks have become increasingly intense, and one such controversy emerged after NCERT removed a map related to the Maratha Empire from a Class 8 Social Science textbook. The issue quickly spread across social media, political discussions, and historical circles, especially in Maharashtra, where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not only remembered as a king but respected as a symbol of courage, self-rule, and cultural pride.

The controversy began after NCERT included a map in its revised Class 8 textbook showing the extent of the Maratha Empire around 1759. The map depicted Maratha influence stretching from parts of present-day Odisha to regions near Attock and included several areas of Rajasthan such as Jaisalmer, Mewar, and Bundi. 

Soon after publication, members of former royal families and some political leaders from Rajasthan objected to the map. Their argument was that regions like Jaisalmer were never directly ruled by the Marathas and that the textbook created an inaccurate impression by showing those territories inside the Maratha Empire. 

Following these objections, NCERT reviewed the issue through an expert committee. According to official responses later reported in the media, the committee considered the map “problematic due to sweeping generalisations” and decided to temporarily withhold and later remove it from future editions of the textbook. 

This decision triggered strong reactions in Maharashtra. Many historians, political leaders, and descendants of Maratha royal families argued that the removal ignored important historical evidence regarding Maratha influence across large parts of India during the 18th century. Some pointed to historical agreements like the 1752 “Ahadnama” pact and the collection of “chauth” taxes as evidence that Maratha power extended into several Rajput regions, even if not under direct administrative control. 

Critics of the removal also questioned whether enough Maratha historians were included in the review process. Reports claimed that after the death of historian Gajanan Bhaskar Mehendale, there was limited Maharashtrian representation in the committee reviewing the issue. 

At the same time, it is important to understand that the controversy was mainly about the map’s territorial representation, not the complete removal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from history books. In fact, NCERT had recently expanded sections related to the rise of the Marathas in newer curriculum revisions. However, concerns about limited representation of Shivaji Maharaj in CBSE and NCERT textbooks have existed for years, especially among leaders and historians in Maharashtra. 

The debate ultimately reflects a larger challenge in writing history textbooks for a diverse country like India. Historical empires often had varying levels of influence, alliances, taxation rights, military presence, and political control. Different historians may interpret these boundaries differently based on available records and regional perspectives.

For millions of people, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj represents leadership, self-respect, military brilliance, and resistance against oppression. Because of this emotional and historical importance, any change related to Maratha history naturally creates strong public reactions.

Even today, discussions continue regarding whether the map should be restored in revised form or redesigned with more detailed historical context. Petitions and public campaigns demanding reinstatement of the Maratha Empire map have also been filed in response to NCERT’s decision. 

History is not only about dates and borders. It is also about memory, identity, and how future generations understand the people who shaped India’s past.