Akbar not 'The Great', just a ruler from outside, says Rajasthan education minister

Rajasthan Primary Education Minister Vasudev Devnani has been under fire on social media for decisions like making 'Suryanamaskar' compulsion in government schools and replacing chapters about foreign rulers, scientists and mathematicians with that of people of Indian origin.

In an interview, the minister explained that it would not be a rushed change and that a committee will be formed to draft new textbooks. He said his intentions are good because he just wants kids to learn about people like Aryabhatta, Maharana Pratap, Pushpak Vimaan, just like they learn about Newton or Akbar.

"We keep calling Akbar “The Great”. Why is he great? Let me tell you, he is not “The Great”. Maharana Pratap is. Akbar was merely a ruler. If there is a chapter on Mughals, maybe he can have a mention in it, but not a separate detailed chapter on him. They all came from outside," said the minister.

Calling Akbar a foreigner he said, "The Muslim and British rulers came from outside and ruled us. That is why we had a movement for freedom."

Clarifying his motivation behind making 'Suryanamaskar' compulsory in government schools, he said it is just a form of exercise and that everyone practiced yoga nowadays. He said the controversy around the subject was politically motivated.

Devnani now plans to improve infrastructure, staff strength and monitoring in government schools. The schools will also have Lower KG and Higher KG so that kids can get into the government school system at an early stage.