Textbook controversy in Karnataka

the story So Far: A Textbook Revision Committee under the chairmanship of Rohit Chakratirtha was formed in Karnataka following a memorandum submitted by the Karnataka Brahmin Mahasabha to Primary and Secondary Education Minister BC Nagesh. The memorandum demanded revision of Class 6 social science textbooks on the ground that they “hurt the sentiments of the Brahmin community”. The Karnataka Textbook Revision Committee was initially set up to revise social science textbooks from classes 6 to 8. However, eventually it was given the responsibility of revising all the textbooks from class 1 to 10. The committee submitted its report in March 2022. Report, social science textbooks for classes 6 to 10 in all mediums, textbooks in Kannada first language (except for class 3) from classes 1 to 10, Kannada second language textbooks for classes 6, 7, and 9, and all classes in class Medium third language textbooks. Revised 7, 8 and 9. Various groups have started protesting against the revised textbooks.

Why did the Karnataka State Brahmin Development Board object to certain sections of the textbooks?

The Karnataka State Brahmin Development Board met with the then Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa in December 2020 objecting to certain passages in the Class 6 Social Science Part 1 textbook. One of the paragraphs was found to be objectionable, titled “Culture of the Vedic Period”. The paragraph states: “The offering of milk, ghee and grains to the fire during these yagyas led to a shortage of food”. Further, the clause ‘Rise of New Religions’ in paragraph 1 of Chapter 7 was found to be objectionable. Article under the subtitle “Why did new religions emerge?” Read: “During the Vedic period, rituals such as yagya and yajna required animal sacrifice. This affected food production. In addition, grains, milk and ghee were offered as ‘Havisu’ and burnt in the fire resulting in shortage of food. People also believed that true liberation (mukti) is possible only through these sacrifices. But these costly rituals were performed by reciting Sanskrit shlokas. Sanskrit was the language of the priests and the common people were unable to understand it. People were hoping for a simple path to salvation which was explained in their own language. The Karnataka Brahmin Mahasabha claimed that such statements in the textbooks hurt their religious sentiments and hence should be revised. In September 2021, a 16-member committee headed by Mr Chakratirtha was formed to revise the textbooks from class I to class 10. The committee submitted a report in March 2022, which sparked opposition from Dalit organisations, various writers and two powerful communities. Karnataka, Veerashaiva Lingayat and Vokkaliga Sabha.

The revised textbooks, released online on May 23, do not include chapters on “Culture of the Vedic Period”, “Rise of New Religions” and “Christianity and Islam”.

Why are Dalit organizations opposing the amendment?

The omission of some details about Dr BR Ambedkar in Chapter 5 of the Class 9 social science textbook “Our Constitution” had created resentment among Dalit organizations. The chapter earlier stated that “by virtue of his (BR Ambedkar’s) contribution in the making of the Constitution, he is called the ‘Chief Architect’. [the] Constitution of India” However, the revised textbooks only mention that “Dr. BR Ambedkar was the chairman of one of the most important committees, that is, the Drafting Committee.” Ambedkar’s contribution to the removal of untouchability is also reported in another chapter. The revised textbook only mentions that “Jyotiba Phule, Swami Vivekananda , Dr BR Ambedkar and others made immense efforts to eradicate the stigma of untouchability.” Dalit organizations have demanded that the texts be reprinted and the information left behind about Ambedkar restored.

Why are the saints of the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community upset?

Various Veerashaiva-Lingayat saints have raised objections against the revision of the contents of Chapter 3 of the Class 9 Social Science Part 1 Textbook, titled, “Religious Promoters and Social Reformers”. While the previous textbook stated that “Basaveshwara was an ardent opponent of the caste system and threw the ‘sacred thread’ after his upanayana (thread ceremony) and went to Kudalasangam”, the revised textbook excluded this and only mentioned that “After his thread ceremony, he went to Kudalasangam”. It was also mentioned in the previous textbook that “Basaveshwara and his disciples advocated Virashaiva philosophy which was based on simple humanistic values. Rituals rejected.” However, the revised textbook simply states: “He reformed Veerashaivism.” This has upset the Lingayat community who want the revised material to reflect the true history of Basaveshwara.

What about Vokkaliga?

Vokkaliga community leaders are raising objections against Mr. Chakratirtha, chairman of the textbook revision committee. They are accusing him of insulting Nada Geete (State Anthem) and insulting Kuvempu, a famous Kannada poet who wrote it. The allegation stems from a 2017 Facebook post that has resurfaced and is doing the rounds on social media. Screenshot is a parody of the state anthem posted by Mr. Chakratirtha on March 16, 2017. According to the screenshot, Mr Chakratirtha gave a satirical meaning to the state anthem, allegedly disrespecting it by comparing it to the Congress party of Karnataka. Vokkaliga union and various student organizations such as National Students Union of India (NSUI) and All India Students Federation (AISF) staged a protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru demanding dissolution of the textbook committee headed by Mr. Various eminent writers have resigned from state government bodies due to lack of action against the committee chief.

Why are writers, scholars and student organizations angry?

The removal of writings by various eminent writers has triggered protests by scholars and student organizations in Karnataka. Class 10 Kannada textbooks have been revised and Chapter 1 titled “Yudh” by Sara Abubakar, Chapter 4 titled “Mriga Mattu Sundari” by P. Lankesh, and Chapter 6, “Vyag Geet” by AN Murthy Rao, has been removed has gone. The works of these writers have been replaced by speeches by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh founder KB Hedgewar and essays by right-wing thinker Chakravarti Sulibele and Sanskrit scholars Bananje Govindacharya and Shatavadhani Ganesh. Student organizations and scholars say that the inclusion of Hedgewar’s speech will lead to “saffronisation” of textbooks. He accused the amendment committee and the government of propagating Hindutva ideology.