- NCERT Class 9 book details India's invasions from the 7th century.
- Highlights religious motives and fierce resistance by Indian rulers.
- Features Queens Naikidevi, Abbakka Chowta, and the tradition of goddess worship.
NCERT has released Part 2 of its Class 9 Social Science textbook, "Understanding Society: India and Beyond." One chapter states that after the seventh century, India faced attacks from Arab, Turkish, Mughal and European armies, which Indian rulers resisted fiercely.
Book claims India faced attacks for Religious Reasons
The book was released on Tuesday (September 29, 2026), six months after the new academic session began.
The textbook states: 'From the seventh century onwards, the Indian subcontinent faced continuous invasions carried out for territorial expansion and religious purposes. It is also noteworthy that the surplus agricultural produce from the fertile plains watered by perennial rivers contributed to the people's economic prosperity, and this was also a major reason for the invasions.'
From Queen Naikidevi To Queen Abbakka Chowta:
The early invaders were confronted and driven back by Indian rulers of the Deccan (South India), Malwa, Kashmir and Rajasthan. The book mentions the struggles of figures ranging from Queen Naikidevi of the Chalukya dynasty to Queen Abbakka Chowta of Ullal.
Queen Naikidevi defeated Muhammad Ghori near Mount Abu in 1178, while Queen Abbakka Chowta of Ullal in Karnataka (1525 to 1570) successfully fought the Portuguese navy. Earlier, on June 25, Part 1 of the Class 9 Social Science book had been released.
Many kings fought with swords Received from Goddesses:
The book says India has an ancient tradition of goddess worship. From the 7th century, many kings and princes invoked Kali, Durga, Bhavani and other forms of Shakti as protectors during battle.
One chapter says the ruler Annamaraja of Bastar received his sword from Manikyadevi (Danteshwari). Prince Kampana of Vijayanagara used a sword received from the goddess against the forces of the Sultanate.
The book is available from NCERT Publications, the official website, authorised sellers, and Amazon.