# New NCERT textbook says kings got swords from goddesses

2026-09-29T16:06:39+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on Tuesday released a new Class 9 social science textbook, Understanding Society: India and Beyond-Part 2, that says several Indian rulers received swords from goddesses to resist invasions. The chapter, Resistance and Resilience, states that from the seventh century onward, kings and princes were believed to have obtained weapons from deities such as Kali, Durga and Bhavani. The textbook mentions Annamaraja of Bastar receiving a sword from Goddess Manikyadevi (Danteshvari), Kumara Kampana of Vijayanagara using a goddess-given sword against Sultanate forces at Madurai, and Shivaji obtaining a sword from Goddess Tulja Bhavani. It also highlights women rulers including Queen Naiki Devi, Rani Abbakka Chowta and Queen Rudrama Devi. NCERT chief Dinesh Saklani said the book aims to cultivate critical inquiry and analytical abilities. The title was released six months after the academic session began.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

National Herald frames the textbook as a controversial mix of myth and history, foregrounding skepticism about divine swords and citing critics of "dumbing down history." Deccan Herald and Times of India report the same factual claims, goddess-given swords and women rulers, without the critical framing. National Herald alone amplifies the skeptical angle, while the other two outlets treat the content as a neutral curriculum announcement. The textbook's choice to present legendary sword-gifts as conventional fact, without distinguishing folklore from history, is where a balanced reading would note the omission. The NCERT chief's stated goal of encouraging critical inquiry stands in tension with the literal framing of the divine-sword anecdotes. Academic and political reactions, if any, are what to watch next.

## Coverage

- deccanherald.com (neutral report) <https://www.deccanherald.com/education/shivaji-bastar-king-vijayanagara-prince-fought-conflicts-using-swords-received-from-goddesses-ncert-book-4163929>
  Straight wire-copy style reporting, neither endorsing nor critiquing the content
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report) <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/new-ncert-textbook-says-indian-kings-invoked-religious-goddesses-resisted-religion-driven-invasions/articleshow/134568413.cms>
  Neutral fact-based report with no editorial framing
- nationalheraldindia.com (government critical) <https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/ncerts-latest-move-weaving-myth-history-and-gender-in-class-9-textbook>
  Leads with critical framing, calling the book a 'bid at dumbing down history' and citing skepticism

Tags: Bastar, Dinesh Saklani, NCERT, Shivaji
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