Maddy questions the Chola empire’s absence in textbooks

Actor

R Madhavan

has raised strong concerns over how Indian history is portrayed in school textbooks, pointing out that key parts of the country’s past, especially the achievements of southern kingdoms, are often overlooked. He feels the current narrative gives disproportionate focus to certain dynasties while underplaying others like the Cholas and Pandyas. His comments come at a time when

NCERT

is facing criticism for its recent changes to school history books.
In a chat with News18 Showsha, he questioned why certain parts of Indian history get more focus than others. “I might get into trouble for saying this, but I’ll still say it,” he began. “When I studied history in school, there were eight chapters on the Mughals, two on the Harappa and Mohenjo-daro civilisations, four on British rule and the freedom struggle, and just one chapter on the southern kingdoms — the Cholas, Pandyas, Pallavas, and Cheras.”
A Glorious Empire, Barely Mentioned
Madhavan expressed disappointment over the lack of focus on the Chola Empire in school textbooks, despite its significant influence on history. He highlighted that while the Mughals and British ruled for around 800 years, the Chola Empire lasted 2,400 years and pioneered sea travel, with trade routes reaching Rome. He noted that their cultural and religious influence spread as far as Korea, yet this rich history is condensed into just one chapter.

Mughal Chapters Removed
Madhavan’s remarks come at a time when the NCERT has decided to remove all references to the

Mughal Empire

and the Delhi Sultanate from Class 7 history textbooks. These topics have been replaced with lessons on sacred geography, the Maha Kumbh festival, and government schemes like Make in India and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. The decision has caused quite a stir, with people both supporting and criticising the move.

Madhavan

used this moment to highlight how history is often shaped by certain narratives—and how that affects how we see ourselves.
“Whose narrative is this? Who decided the syllabus?

Tamil

is the oldest language in the world, but nobody knows about it. The scientific knowledge hidden in our culture is being mocked right now,” he said.
‘Kesari Chapter 2’ and the Fight to Reclaim History
Madhavan also defended his film, ‘Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of

Jallianwala Bagh

’, which has faced some criticism for creative choices. He explained that while some may accuse the makers of taking liberties, the film is trying to present a more complete version of history. “Don’t blame us for bringing the truth about history. The easiest way to discredit us is by saying that we took liberties, Going back to what I said, I shouldn’t be getting into trouble for this, because it’s a fact," he argued.
Calling Out Whitewashed History
He also spoke strongly against the way the British version of Indian history often painted freedom fighters in a negative light, especially when it came to events like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. “General Dyer and his granddaughter said we were a set of terrorists and looters who deserved to be shot. He stopped shooting because he ran out of bullets. How can you whitewash history to such an extent that you create a false narrative?” he said.