CBSE scraps Nadar history after HC order

Following directions from the Madras High court, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked all its schools to stop teaching a particular portion to Class IX students where Nadar the community, a community in south India, has been written about in an “objectionable” manner.

In a letter written to all its schools two days ago, the Board has directed them to stop teaching the section – Caste, Conflict and dress change under the theme – “Clothing – a Social History” from Social Science textbook of Class IX students. Schools have also been asked to not include any questions from the section in the upcoming examination.

The particular portion of the textbook mentions that the Nadars were migrants who worked as toddy tappers under Nair landlords.

In its circular, CBSE said: “This is to bring to your notice that from the session 2016-17, the section 4.1, about Caste Conflict and Dress Change under the theme – 8 “Clothing: A social history” given in page number – 168 of in the textbook of Social Science of Class IX published by NCERT stands omitted from the curriculum.”