In a historic shift toward a more inclusive national narrative, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has, for the first time, included the Ahom Dynasty in its Class 8 History textbook. The addition appears in the chapter titled “Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities.”
The Ahoms, who ruled Assam for over six centuries from the 13th to the 19th century, are celebrated for their remarkable military resilience—most notably their successful defense against 17 Mughal invasions. Despite this, their role in Indian history has remained largely sidelined in mainstream academic curricula, which have traditionally emphasized dynasties like the Mughals, Mauryas, and Guptas.
The inclusion may span only a single page, but it has been hailed by many historians, educators, and cultural activists from Northeast India as a significant symbolic correction.
“The Ahoms contributed greatly to the political and cultural shaping of the region. Their administration, warfare strategies, and cultural synthesis deserve national attention,” said Dr. Haripriya Das, a Guwahati-based historian and researcher. “This inclusion, even if brief, marks a turning point in acknowledging Northeast India’s rightful place in our collective history.”
The Ahom Kingdom, founded by Sukaphaa in 1228, established a stable administration and promoted a syncretic culture by blending Tai-Ahom traditions with local Assamese customs. Their rule extended until the advent of British colonialism in the 19th century, but their stories have largely been confined to regional syllabi or academic research.
Educationists have long criticized the limited representation of Northeast India’s historical contributions in national-level textbooks. Scholars note that the exclusion of such narratives not only marginalizes entire communities but also leaves students with an incomplete understanding of India’s complex past.
“This isn’t just about regional pride,” said Sanjeev Lahon, an Assamese language teacher in Dibrugarh. “It’s about making sure all Indian students learn a truly diverse and accurate history—one that celebrates unity through pluralism.”
The move comes amid NCERT’s broader curriculum revision, aimed at decolonizing history and expanding the scope of narratives beyond traditional power centers. In recent years, similar efforts have led to increased visibility of tribal histories, women freedom fighters, and lesser-known regional kingdoms.
In Assam and other parts of the Northeast, the development has sparked cautious optimism. Many view this as a first step and are calling for deeper integration of regional histories in school syllabi across all grades.
“This inclusion is welcome, but the Ahom legacy deserves much more than a footnote,” said social activist Anima Saikia. “We hope NCERT continues this process and brings in more chapters from Northeast India’s past—from the Kacharis to the Zeliangs, from Manipuri resistance to Khasi folklore.”
As the new academic year begins, students across the country will now get a glimpse into the story of one of India’s longest-reigning dynasties—a story that has waited centuries to be told in classrooms beyond Assam.
Background Note:
The Ahoms not only resisted Mughal advances but also pioneered administrative reforms, built embankments and tanks, and developed a unique literature and archival tradition. Their capital, Rangpur (in present-day Sivasagar district), stood as a hub of architecture, warfare, and scholarship.
By including the Ahoms in national textbooks, NCERT has taken a step toward correcting the historical imbalance that has long left out the Northeast’s contributions to India’s civilizational story
