The Assam government will revise the history textbooks used in state high schools following directives from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The decision marks a significant change in the way some historical accounts will be presented in the HSLC (Class 10) curriculum.
CM Questions Ahom Warrior’s Role in Textbooks
At the closing ceremony of the 10th Mising Youth Festival in Kareng Chapori, the Chief Minister challenged the depiction of Ahom warrior Bagh Hazarika in existing textbooks. Textbooks currently describe Ismail Siddique — popularly known as Bagh Hazarika — as a 17th-century Ahom warrior who fought alongside Lachit Borphukan against the Mughals at the Battle of Saraighat in 1671. Sarma stated that Bagh Hazarika did not fight with Lachit Borphukan at Saraighat, asserting instead that Mising leader Miri Handique played that role in resisting Mughal forces in the Kamrup region. He conveyed this view to Education Minister Ranoj Pegu and instructed that textbooks be rewritten to reflect what the government considers a more accurate account.
Focus on Mising Community’s Contributions
The Chief Minister also highlighted the historical role of the Mising community in Assam. He credited the community with helping protect local land and culture, framing their contributions as a central part of the state’s history. Sarma remarked that if the Mising people had been present throughout Assam from Dhubri to Sadiya, then “not a single Miya could have entered Assam,” referencing historical and demographic narratives discussed at the event.
Cultural Support and Government Initiatives
Alongside the textbook revision directive, Sarma announced a Rs 100 crore grant for the Mising Youth Festival and Rs 10 crore for the Donyi-Polo society, which promotes indigenous cultural and spiritual practices. These funding decisions signal broader emphasis on cultural preservation as part of educational policy.
Educational Impact and Next Steps
The move to revise history textbooks will be implemented through the State Education Department, which is expected to undertake a detailed review of content used in the current HSLC curriculum. The revision process will involve updating historicalnarratives to align with the government’s directives and may influence how regional history is taught in schools across Assam in coming academic sessions Students, educators and parents will likely see revised teaching material once the Education Department completes its review, shaping the way local historical figures and community contributions are represented in future textbooks.