Memorandum addressed to the PM submitted through Ratnagiri District Collector
Ratnagiri, Maharashtra – Demands are intensifying across Maharashtra for the immediate reinstatement of the map depicting the expansion of the Maratha Empire in the NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook.
A formal memorandum in this regard, addressed to the Prime Minister, Union Education Minister, and the Secretary of the Department of Education was submitted by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti to the Ratnagiri District Collector Manoj Jindal on 17th April.
Meanwhile, in Sangli, the Shri Shivpratishthan Yuva Hindustan has called for a massive ‘Maratha Samrajya Sanman’ (Maratha Empire Honour) march on 1 May 2026, to protest against this act of NCERT.
The HJS memorandum contends that the removal of the map from the NCERT textbook Hamare Ateet (Our Pasts) is far more than a mere academic oversight; it represents a systematic effort to marginalise Bharat’s historical legacy. By omitting a visual representation of the Maratha Empire at its zenith, the curriculum fails to acknowledge the true scale of Bharat’s indigenous sovereignty.
The Hindavi Swarajya established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was not merely a regional power, but a cultural and moral revolution against aggressive foreign forces, the memorandum stated.
HJS has demanded:
- An immediate reinstatement of the map showing the empire’s 1759 reach.
- An investigation into the officials responsible for the revision.
- A comprehensive review of current textbooks by independent historians to ensure indigenous empires are not overshadowed by colonial or Mughal narratives.
- If other important historical references, forts, or information about revolutionaries have been omitted, they must be reinstated immediately.
Shri Shivpratishthan Yuva Hindustan announces ‘Maratha Samrajya Sanman’ march in Sangli on 1 May
To protest against this historically inaccurate and arbitrary decision by NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training), a large-scale ‘Maratha Samrajya Sanman’ march will be organised in Sangli on 1 May 2026 by Shri Shivpratishthan Yuva Hindustan.
Shri Shivpratishthan Yuva Hindustan has opposed NCERT’s decision to remove the map depicting the expansion of the Maratha Empire in 1759 from the Class 8 history textbook.
Founder-President Shri. Nitin Chougule informed that the march will invite dignitaries such as Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale, Chhatrapati Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale, Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje, along with descendants of various Sardars and historians.
Historical significance highlighted
Shri. Nitin Chougule further stated that during the period 1759–1760, the Maratha Empire had established strong dominance in North India, extending its influence beyond Attock. The Marathas held authority over regions including Rajasthan, Malwa, Bundelkhand, Delhi, and Punjab. Evidence of this exists in Peshwa records, treaties, revenue documents, and contemporary archives.
He added that the decision, taken without consultation, is academically flawed and contrary to constitutional principles.
April 1, 2026
Vinod D’Souza writes to the Prime Minister
Mumbai – Changes were made around two weeks ago to the curriculum of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), which functions under the Central Government. Among these changes, the map showing the expansion of the Maratha Empire has been removed from the Class 8 Social Science textbook.
This map depicted the geographical extent of the Maratha rule during the Maratha period and the reach of Swarajya. The Marathas had extended their rule up to Attock, which is now in present-day Pakistan. This is a matter of pride not only for the Marathi people and Maharashtra, but for India as a whole. In this context, Vinod D’Souza, a concerned citizen from Mumbai, has written directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the issue.
In his letter to the Prime Minister, D’Souza stated that the removal of the Maratha Empire map is not merely a distortion of history, but also an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Empire. He further said that this has deeply hurt the sentiments of Shivbhakts and the people of Maharashtra.
At a time when the valour of the Maratha Empire is known across the country, omitting such an important element from textbooks is unjust. He has demanded that the map be immediately reinstated in the textbook.