The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has taken a significant step by deciding to include two books in its library that highlight the life and contributions of Babu Jagat Singh, a leader from Banaras who played a pivotal role in the Indian freedom struggle.
These books, “Babu Jagat Singh, the Forgotten Leader of Banaras” and “1799, the Role of Babu Jagat Singh in the Untold Story of the Indian Freedom Struggle and the Discovery of Sarnath,” will provide students with a more comprehensive understanding of Indian history.
The decision comes after Murli Manohar Joshi, former BJP president, wrote to NCERT director Dinesh Prasad Saklani, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Babu Jagat Singh’s contributions to the freedom struggle. Joshi’s letter underscored the need to correct the historical narrative and provide a more accurate account of India’s past.
The NCERT’s initiative aims to promote a deeper understanding of Indian history and culture among students. By including Babu Jagat Singh’s story in its books, the council hopes to inspire students to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage and appreciate the sacrifices made by freedom fighters.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has also taken steps to correct historical errors related to Babu Jagat Singh. A new plaque has been installed at the Dharmarajika Stupa in Sarnath, providing accurate information about his contributions.
Pradeep Narayan Singh, patron of the Jagat Singh Royal Family Project, has welcomed the NCERT’s initiative, saying it will help reveal the untold truth about India’s freedom struggle. The move is seen as a significant step towards rewriting Indian history and promoting a more inclusive and accurate representation of the country’s past.
Overall, the NCERT’s decision to include Babu Jagat Singh’s story in its books is a welcome move that will help students gain a better understanding of Indian history and culture.
NCERT Includes Forgotten Freedom Fighter Babu Jagat Singh in History Books: A Step Toward Rewriting the Nation’s Legacy
In a bold and commendable move to enrich the narrative of India’s freedom struggle, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has decided to include two remarkable books in its library, shedding long-overdue light on an unsung hero — Babu Jagat Singh of Banaras.
This significant development aims to restore balance in how India’s history is told to the younger generation. The inclusion of the books, “Babu Jagat Singh, the Forgotten Leader of Banaras” and “1799, the Role of Babu Jagat Singh in the Untold Story of the Indian Freedom Struggle and the Discovery of Sarnath,” promises to offer students a more inclusive and deeper understanding of India’s path to independence.
A Forgotten Hero Finally Gets His Due
For decades, the story of Babu Jagat Singh — a powerful voice from Banaras and a key figure in the independence movement — remained buried under the towering narratives of more well-known freedom fighters. Despite his active role in resisting colonial rule and his connection to historical events around Sarnath, his name rarely found its way into textbooks or public discourse.
That injustice is now being addressed, thanks in part to the efforts of senior BJP leader and former party president Murli Manohar Joshi, who took a personal interest in the matter. In a letter to NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Joshi strongly advocated for the need to recognize Babu Jagat Singh’s contributions to the freedom movement. He urged the council to correct historical omissions and ensure that future generations are made aware of the many leaders who played critical roles in India’s liberation.
Joshi’s call for historical accuracy resonated with NCERT, which promptly acted on the recommendation, initiating the inclusion of the two books into its curriculum and reference materials.
A Cultural and Educational Revival
The move is more than just an academic gesture — it’s part of a larger cultural revival. The NCERT’s decision is aimed at inspiring young minds by bringing forgotten stories of bravery, resistance, and national pride into the spotlight. By introducing Babu Jagat Singh to a broader audience, NCERT seeks to encourage students to explore India’s rich and diverse past beyond the commonly repeated narratives.
In an era when educational institutions are being urged to decolonize history and present a more holistic view of India’s struggle, the recognition of Babu Jagat Singh marks a step in that direction. It’s a reaffirmation of the idea that history should reflect all who shaped it — not just the most famous, but also the forgotten warriors whose courage and sacrifices built the foundation of independent India.
Archaeological Survey of India Joins In
Notably, this historical correction isn’t limited to just books. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has also stepped in to restore the legacy of Babu Jagat Singh. A new plaque has been installed at the Dharmarajika Stupa in Sarnath, providing accurate information about his contributions. This physical marker of remembrance strengthens the historical record and ensures his legacy is preserved in one of India’s most revered archaeological sites.
The installation acknowledges Babu Jagat Singh’s influence in preserving the spiritual and cultural sanctity of Sarnath, linking his story not only to political resistance but also to cultural heritage.
A Family’s Pride and a Nation’s Recognition
Pradeep Narayan Singh, patron of the Jagat Singh Royal Family Project, has hailed the NCERT’s decision as a monumental moment. He described it as an essential step in “revealing the untold truth” of India’s freedom movement. According to Singh, recognizing leaders like Babu Jagat Singh will foster a more inclusive and truthful portrayal of the past.
“This initiative doesn’t just correct a historical oversight; it honors the values of courage, sacrifice, and vision that Babu Jagat Singh stood for,” Singh said.
Shaping Young Minds, Honoring True Legacies
As these books make their way into libraries and classrooms, they will do more than just inform — they will inspire. They will give students access to stories that teach not only about independence but also about integrity, local leadership, and forgotten revolutions.
The NCERT’s initiative is a refreshing departure from traditional, narrow historical narratives. It sets a precedent for reevaluating and reshaping India’s educational content to make room for the many voices that contributed to its past — voices like Babu Jagat Singh’s that deserve to be heard loud and clear.
In a time when understanding our roots is more important than ever, this move stands as a powerful reminder that true history includes every hero — especially those who were forgotten.
