NCERT Class 9 Book Links Temples to Power, Economy

New Delhi: Temples served not only as religious centres but also as major economic institutions and sources of legitimacy for political rulers between 1000 and 1700 CE, according to the NCERT’s new Class 9 Social Science textbook, which has also introduced personal income tax into the curriculum for the first time.

The textbook, Understanding Society: India and Beyond — Part 2, was released on Tuesday, about six months after the new academic session began.

Part 1 was released in June.

A chapter titled “Resistance and Resilience (1000-1700 CE)” contains a section, “Temples: The Resilience of Sacred Sites”, detailing the socio-economic and political role played by temples during the period.

According to the textbook, temples evolved into major economic hubs that managed extensive land grants, provided employment to specialised workers and functioned as financial institutions for local traders.

It says rulers also used temple patronage to strengthen their political legitimacy, while temples served as centres of education and culture and helped preserve artistic traditions.

The textbook says deities were sometimes regarded as protectors or rulers of states, with monarchs portraying themselves as their representatives.

It cites the Gajapati rulers of Odisha, who called themselves “Rauta”, or deputies, of Jagannath, the Kachhwaha rulers of Jaipur governing on behalf of Govindadeva, and the Rajput rulers of Kota regarding themselves as representatives of Rama.

Temples also extended credit to cultivators, village assemblies and merchant groups, and in some instances collected local taxes and exercised quasi-judicial authority, according to the book.

They were major landholders and employers, supporting architects, artisans, sculptors, priests, musicians and administrative staff.

The chapter also discusses the plunder and destruction of temples from the 11th century onwards and their subsequent reconstruction and restoration.

It cites the Jagat Shiromani Temple at Amer and the Jagdish Temple in Udaipur among examples of temple construction that carried religious and political significance.

In another major addition, Class 9 students will now learn the basics of personal income tax, including how tax liability is calculated under the new tax regime.

The chapter “Managing Your Personal Finances” contains tax slabs and worked examples and describes paying taxes honestly and on time as an important responsibility of citizens.

NCERT chief Dinesh Prasad Saklani said students would be able to work through actual slab-wise tax calculations, a first for this age group.

The textbook links payment of taxes with funding the country’s development.

The personal finance chapter also introduces students to budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing responsibly and protection against financial risks.

It lists fixed deposits, bonds, stocks and mutual funds among investment options.

The chapter deals with the new income-tax regime and does not explain the old regime.