Pawan Kalyan: 'Enough of Glorifying Mughals' Why Highlight Babur, Akbar Over Bharat's Heroes Like Shivaji And Vijayanagara ?

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has once more created a huge controversy regarding India's historical accounts. Kalyan wonders why textbooks in schools feature Mughal emperors Babur and Akbar dominantly. The national curriculum ignores the glorious past and achievements of Indian emperors and dynasties like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Vijayanagara Empire, who fought courageously against foreign aggressions, Kalyan says.

#WATCH | Vijayawada: On his statement that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj should be taught in schools, Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan says, "...You talk so highly about Akbar. You glorify an invader like Babur. But why were we not taught about Vijayanagara? The main thing was… pic.twitter.com/ZWaRXKNKOl

— ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2025

Speaking of this, Kalyan expressed that he was frustrated that "invaders like Babur are remembered" and the stories of great indigenous empires and their battles are not given their due place. He asserted that future generations must learn about the courage and heroic attempts at cultural preservation of Indian heroes, and not learn about people who had invaded the nation.

The Struggle for Fair Historical Representations

This step by the politician-actor is close to a sentiment gaining momentum that India's history teaching needs to be overhauled to present a more holistic and balanced account of its past. Kalyan emphasized the need for the recognition of the strength and deeds of the likes of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who, in his words, "restored self-respect and bravery and courage in our hearts." He added that textbooks have to present the "atrocities" committed by specific Mughal emperors, mentioning examples like the imposition of the Jaziya tax on Hindus and temples being desecrated, which he believes are swept under the carpet.

Public Reaction and Ongoing Controversy

 Kalyan's direct remarks have again sparked new controversies within the community of teachers, historians, and the masses regarding the necessity for a syllabus that not only educates facts but also inculcates pride in India's long and often conflict-affected history. His call for an inclusive and authentic portrayal of history remains in vogue, particularly as controversies regarding national identity, cultural heritage, and education reforms gain momentum across the nation. The Deputy CM's claims give rise to the call for history education that recognizes triumphs as well as tribulations, celebrating local resistance as much as documenting foreign invasions, thus providing a more inclusive picture of India's history.