Meat out, plant-based in: Maharashtra history textbook drops caste link, sparks debate

Maharashtra's new Class 6 history textbook has sparked debate over its portrayal of the Vedic period. Historians say key references to meat consumption and caste inequality have been left out.Historians have pointed to several references in ancient Indian literature that indicate meat was also consumed during the period (Representative image)The newly introduced Class 6 History textbook of the Maharashtra State Board has sparked a debate among historians over its portrayal of the Vedic period. The revised textbook describes the food habits of people during the Vedic age as predominantly plant-based, with no reference to meat as part of their diet. It has also removed a passage from the earlier edition that explained how the Varna system eventually became associated with birth-based caste divisions and social inequality.The changes have drawn criticism from historians and scholars of ancient India, who argue that the revised narrative presents an overly harmonious picture of Vedic society. They say it leaves out evidence that reflects the period’s more complex social and cultural realities.CHANGE IN VEDIC DIETThe earlier Class 6 textbook stated that people during the Vedic period consumed both plant-based foods and meat. The revised edition, however, lists grains, milk, curd, ghee, honey and vegetables as major components of their diet and describes it as plant-based.Historians have pointed to several references in ancient Indian literature that indicate meat was also consumed during the period. Sanskrit scholar Professor Bahulkar, in his research on the history of diet in ancient and medieval India, has documented references in Vedic literature to the preparation and consumption of different types of meat. His work mentions ox, goat, sheep, buffalo and horse meat, along with references suggesting that fish was also consumed.Professor Shraddha Kumbhojkar, head of the History Department at Savitribai Phule Pune University, said Vedic texts contain references to different varieties of meat being consumed, both in ritual contexts and otherwise. The textbook change has also been acknowledged by Shubhangana Atre, an archaeologist and chairperson of Balbharti’s History Committee for Classes 6 to 8. She said meat was part of the Vedic diet, but agriculture had also made plant-based food an important part of people’s meals. According to Atre, the authors chose to focus on cultural development rather than provide a detailed account of dietary practices. She also noted that meat consumption is discussed in the section on the Harappan civilisation.CASTE INEQUALITY REMOVEDA more significant change concerns the treatment of the Varna system. The earlier textbook explained that the four Varnas — Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra — were initially associated with occupations but gradually became linked to birth. It further stated that this transformation contributed to the emergence of the caste system and inequality.The new edition of the HIstory textbook does not make that connection. Instead, it describes Vedic society as being organised into four Varnas, with individuals assigned particular responsibilities and social positions. It also characterises interactions within the society as being marked by cooperation and affection.Kumbhojkar said the revised version eliminates an important part of the historical discussion by removing the transition from Varna to birth-based Jati and the accompanying inequality. She also cited references in the Rigveda describing conflicts between different groups, arguing that the portrayal of Vedic society as uniformly cooperative does not adequately reflect the historical evidence. References to battles over cattle and the conflict known as the Battle of the Ten Kings, she said, further indicate that Vedic society was not devoid of conflict..Atre defended the decision to simplify the discussion for younger students. She said introducing the concept of birth-based caste at an early stage could influence children’s perceptions before they were equipped to understand the wider historical context. According to her, students would encounter the more complex social structure as they progressed to higher classes.HISTORIANS SEEK A BALANCED NARRATIVEKumbhojkar said school history books have a significant role in shaping students understanding of the past and therefore should not selectively omit uncomfortable or contradictory evidence. She argued that presenting a simplified and uniformly positive account could prevent students from understanding the complexities of ancient Indian society. She similarly stressed that historical interpretation should be based on evidence rather than an attempt to glorify or condemn a particular period. The textbooks are prepared by the Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research, commonly known as Balbharti.MORE REVISIONS UNDERWAYThe Class 6 book is part of a larger exercise to introduce revised, NCERT-based textbooks across Maharashtra’s school system. New textbooks for Classes 2, 3, 4 and 6 have been introduced this year, while the Class 1 book was rolled out last year. Revised books for the remaining classes are expected to be introduced over the next three years.Balbharti Director Anuradha Oak said the concerns raised over the Class 6 history textbook would be placed before the textbook-setting committee. Any changes considered necessary could be incorporated in subsequent editions- EndsPublished By: Mridusmita DekaPublished On: Aug 21, 2026 12:04 IST