Key Points
- Delhi University (DU) has removed several controversial and critical subjects from its postgraduate Political Science and History syllabi.
- Topics dropped include Hindu nationalism, tribal movements, religious conversion, and the rise of Islam in Bengal.
- Notable books by Christophe Jaffrelot, Amita Baviskar, Philip B. Wagner, and Richard Eaton have been excluded.
- Entire papers on Pakistan, China, and Islam were previously removed from the Global Politics MA course.
- DU administration calls this a “minor change” aimed at syllabus relevance, while many academics and students warn of threats to academic freedom and diversity.
New Delhi: Delhi University’s Academic Council has approved sweeping changes to the postgraduate syllabus for Political Science and History, removing a series of subjects and readings deemed controversial or critical of right-wing ideologies and religious-cultural transformations. The administration claims these are minor adjustments to keep the curriculum “relevant,” but the move has sparked widespread debate within academic circles.
Subjects and Themes Removed
- Hindu Nationalism: Topics critically examining the ideology and its key proponents.
- Tribal Movements: Focus on indigenous struggles, especially in the Narmada Valley.
- Religious Conversion and Islamization: Alternative historical perspectives on conversion and the spread of Islam in Bengal.
- Regional Studies: Recent removal of papers on Pakistan, China, and Islam from the MA Global Politics course.
Books and Authors Excluded
The following influential works have been dropped from the curriculum:
| Book/Work | Author | Subject/Theme | Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hindu Nationalism: A Reader | Christophe Jaffrelot | Critique of Hindu nationalism, Savarkar, Golwalkar | Political Science |
| In the Belly of the River | Amita Baviskar | Tribal movements in the Narmada Valley | Political Science |
| Sultan Among Hindu Kings | Philip B. Wagner | Alternative perspectives on conversion | History |
| The Rise of Islam and the Bengal Frontier | Richard Eaton | Islamization and conversion in Bengal | History |
Administrative Rationale vs. Academic Concerns
Official Standpoint
- DU administration describes the changes as “minor” and necessary for keeping the syllabus up-to-date with contemporary issues.
- Officials argue that the focus is now on “current global issues” rather than historical or region-specific themes.
Academic and Student Response
- Critics argue that the removals target works critical of right-wing ideologies, undermining ideological diversity and academic freedom.
- Teachers and students express concern that the changes will narrow intellectual discourse and limit exposure to alternative viewpoints.
- Debate continues over whether the curriculum is being streamlined for relevance or censored for political reasons.
Timeline of Recent Syllabus Changes
| Month/Year | Change Implemented | Department/Course |
|---|---|---|
| June 2025 | Removal of entire papers on Pakistan, China, Islam | MA Global Politics |
| July 2025 | Exclusion of critical books and essays | Political Science & History |
What’s Next for DU Students and Faculty?
- Curriculum for the upcoming academic year will reflect these changes, impacting both current and incoming postgraduate students.
- Ongoing debates in academic forums and student bodies about the long-term implications for critical thinking and research.
- Potential for further revisions as the university continues to review its courses in line with administrative priorities.
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