NCERT faces backlash over factual errors in depiction of Ahom dynasty in class 8 textbook

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is under growing scrutiny from scholars and historians for its inaccurate portrayal of Assam’s Ahom dynasty in its revised Class 8 history textbook under the chapter ‘Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities’. 

While the inclusion of the Ahoms—a dynasty that ruled Assam for over 600 years—is a welcome corrective to long-standing omissions in school curricula, experts say the content is riddled with historical misrepresentations and simplifications.

One of the most contested inaccuracies is the claim that the Ahoms migrated from present-day Myanmar. Scholars argue that this ignores scholarly consensus and historical records, which trace their origin to Mung Mao—a culturally significant Tai polity in the Dehong region of Yunnan, China.

Acclaimed author Arup Kumar Dutta also weighed in, saying, “Mung Mao encompasses kingdoms in western China and upper Myanmar. To simply say ‘Myanmar’ is historically incorrect.” He added that while one must acknowledge the constraints of compressing 600 years of history into a short textbook segment, “a more holistic portrayal of such a powerful dynasty should have been possible.”

Another major point of contention is the description of the Paik system—an administrative and military labour structure—as “forced labour.” Experts insist this portrayal is misleading. Dr Prabin Hazarika, Head of the History Department at Sibsagar Girls’ College, said the system was “a rotational duty model where each paik was granted land and could rise through merit. It was far removed from the caste-based or exploitative labour systems seen elsewhere.”

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Echoing that, Dutta noted that the Paik system was not slavery but a compulsory form of state service, where “two of three men worked in rotation for the state, while one stayed back to support families—especially during wartime.”

Author Nilutpal Gohain agreed, stating, “The paik system was an organised, land-based service model central to the Ahom state's functioning. Calling it ‘forced labour’ is a misrepresentation.”

The textbook also reportedly simplifies the integration of the Bhuiyan landlords—the pre-existing local elites—claiming they were “suppressed” by the incoming Ahoms. 

Perhaps the most glaring error, according to scholars, is the portrayal of the Ahom-Mughal conflict during Mir Jumla’s invasion as a straightforward defeat of the Ahoms. The 1663 Treaty of Ghilajarighat, signed under duress, is widely seen as a tactical move by the Ahoms to regroup. “It was not a surrender,” said Dutta. 

“It was a calculated strategy by Atan Burhagohain to buy time, and the Ahoms eventually forced the Mughals out.”

Despite successfully resisting 17 Mughal invasions and preserving sovereignty for six centuries, the Ahoms have remained marginal in the national historical discourse. The addition of even a page in NCERT books was seen as long overdue recognition. However, many now worry that this long-awaited inclusion is being undermined by factual distortions.

Gohain pointed out that while the inclusion is a positive step, “accurate and respectful representation is essential, especially when introducing students to regional histories. The Ahom legacy deserves to be taught in a way that reflects both its complexity and its significance.”

Dutta also lamented the exclusion of key elements of the Ahom legacy: “The textbook doesn’t even mention the Khel system, their monumental architecture like Rang Ghar and Talatal Ghar, or how they helped forge a distinct Assamese identity. These omissions dilute the true impact of the dynasty.”

In 2022, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had called on all states to include the story of Lachit Borphukan, the Ahom general who defeated the Mughals at the Battle of Saraighat, in their school curricula. The present backlash reflects growing demands from Assam and other northeastern states for a decentralized, inclusive retelling of Indian history.

As pressure mounts, scholars are urging NCERT to revise the chapter in consultation with regional experts to ensure the Ahoms’ legacy is presented with the nuance, dignity, and factual accuracy it deserves.