During a meeting of Delhi University’s Academic Council on Thursday, faculty members raised concerns over changes made to the DU history paper syllabus titled “Delhi Through the Ages: The Making of its Early Modern History.” One of the significant revisions was the inclusion of readings on ‘Yoginipura,’ a site believed to be located in Delhi, while an important article by eminent historian Professor Irfan Habib was omitted from the DU history paper syllabus.
In a dissent note authored by elected AC member Professor Maya John and co-signed by two other colleagues, the faculty expressed unease regarding certain modifications. They described the changes as “disturbing,” particularly highlighting the omission of key academic contributions, which they argued could impact the paper’s academic integrity and balance. The note reflects ongoing debates over the content and direction of the university’s history curriculum.
Professor Maya John claims that there have been substantial changes in language as a result of numerous DU history paper syllabus adjustments over the years in academic settings. The Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), which was implemented in 2016, the Learning Outcome-Based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) in 2019, and the National Education Policy, which was established in 2024, are some of these reforms. One significant change in this revised DU history paper syllabus is the progressive substitution of “Indraprastha-Hastinapur” for the name “Purana Qila.”
The shift reflects larger shifts in the academic narrative by highlighting how educational reforms have affected the way historical terms and locales are represented. This change is viewed as a component of a continuous endeavour to match instructional materials to the changing objectives and frameworks set forth by these policies.
In the 2016 edition of the paper, the first unit was titled “The Environmental Setting; Prehistoric and Protohistoric Sites; Purana Qila: Archaeology and Legend.” Although the paper underwent revisions in both 2019 and 2022, the discussion surrounding the intricate relationship between legends, myths, and history persisted.
However, in the 2024 revised version, there is a noticeable change. The title of the first unit has been updated to “Delhi’s Ancient Past up to the 12th Century,” and the previous focus on Purana Qila has been replaced by a more categorical emphasis on Indraprastha-Hastinapur.
Additionally, it was noted that the 2024 revised General Elective paper titled “Delhi through the Ages: Making of its Early Modern History” was intended to be presented during the Academic Council (AC) meeting on July 12, 2024, before the commencement of first-year classes. However, this paper is reportedly being taught at the University of Delhi without prior approval from the statutory bodies, which constitutes a significant procedural oversight.
The first unit of the 2024 edition includes Yoginipura, another important site. There appears to be a lack of scholarly consensus regarding the places connected to the Yoginipura mythology, despite the availability of significant historical accounts regarding this legend. Concerns have been raised about the presence of dubious literature like Delhi: City of Yoginis by Suphal Kumar.
Furthermore, an important piece by the renowned historian Professor Irfan Habib has been left off of the suggested reading list, despite other hagiographic and less scholarly works by writers like Nilesh Ishwarchand Karkare and Uday S. Kulkarni being considered necessary readings. Professor Habib’s article, titled “Economic History of the Delhi Sultanate—an Essay in Interpretation,” provides valuable insights into the economic landscape of mediaeval Delhi. According to John, the revisions made in the paper do not appear to be grounded in academic merit.
The Delhi University Academic Council approved the revised strategic plan on Thursday. The plan defines the university’s goals for the next 25 years. This decision comes amid earlier allegations from some AC members regarding plagiarism in the content, as parts of the document were reportedly taken from other institutions. After being debated in December of the previous year, the concept was moved to an “emergent meeting” of the AC for additional thought.
