The revisions are based on the recommendations of the Karnataka Text Book Revision Committee headed by retired Prof Dr Manjunath G Hegade.
Photo for representation only.
The Karnataka government on Tuesday, 5 March, approved extensive revisions to the state’s school curriculum.
The move ostensibly aims to enhance the quality of education and provide students with a more enriching learning experience.
The revisions, based on the recommendations put forth by the Karnataka Text Book Revision Committee headed by retired professor Dr Manjunath G Hegde, are set to be implemented across various subjects for Classes 6 to 10 in the academic year 2024-25.
The revised Social Science curriculum for Classes 6 to 10 introduces several important chapters reportedly aimed at broadening students’ understanding of key historical events and contemporary issues.
Notable additions include chapters focusing on social and religious reforms, shedding light on the contributions of influential figures like Periyar, whose ideologies had a profound impact on Indian society.
Works by prolific writers such as Chandrashekhara Kambara, Girish Karnad, Devidas, Mariappa Bhatta, AN Murthy Rao, Devanur Mahadeva, and Akkamahadevi have been meticulously selected, reportedly to provide students with a holistic understanding of Kannada literary heritage.
Moreover, the inclusion of chapters on international relations, foreign policy, and the judiciary seeks to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of global affairs and India’s governance structures, according to the government.
In addition to the revisions in Social Science, the Kannada curriculum for various grades has undergone significant changes, reportedly aimed at enriching students’ literary exploration and cultural appreciation.
New chapters celebrating Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage, such as those spotlighting eminent historical figures like Chandrashekhara Kambara and Nalavadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, are said to have been introduced.
The government has given the nod for the revision of 114 texts for the following subjects for the academic year 2024-25:
Changes have also been approved for Sociology, Economics, Business Studies, and Geography.
In Class 6, students will be introduced to a new chapter in Social Science focusing on the origins of human society.
Moreover, the “Our Proud State Karnataka” chapter has reportedly seen the inclusion of imagery and detailed descriptions spotlighting eminent historical figures such as Chandrashekhara Kambara and Nalavadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar.
Additionally, the subject has seen the integration of ancient dynasties from both South and North India.
The revisions for Class 7 are reportedly centred around fostering inclusivity and recognising pivotal moments in India’s freedom struggle.
Notable changes are said to include the inclusion of narratives on women freedom fighters and chapters dedicated to social and religious reforms.
Furthermore, the recognition of cultural leaders like Basaveshwara is expected to underscore the importance of regional contributions to India’s rich cultural heritage. The title has been changed from “Religions” to “Dharmas”.
For Classes 8 to 10, the revisions reportedly focus on delving deeper into historical events and societal transformations.
In Class 8, chapters on “Aadharagalu” and “Bharata Varsha” undergo revision to provide students with a more nuanced understanding of India’s ancient civilisations and geographical features.
Class 9 witnesses updates to chapters on Western religions and Bhaktipantha, with additional information on historical figures like Kanakadasa and Purandaradasa.
In Class 10, details about Mataranda Varma have been summarised in the chapter “Arrival of Europeans to India”.
The chapter on “Resistances to British rule in Karnataka” is now said to have a systematic record of local rebellions of Mysuru kings and instances from regions like Kittur, Surpur, Koppal, and Halagali.
The “Social and Religious Reform Movements” chapter incorporates topics on Savatribai Pule, the Young Bengal Movement, and Periyar to provide a comprehensive understanding of reform movements in India.
The revisions in Political Science are said to be aimed at equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of governance structures, electoral processes, and international relations, fostering active participation in civic affairs.
In Class 8, the focus is reportedly on understanding the fundamentals of local self-government. A pivotal addition to the curriculum is the incorporation of the Act related to the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Department, providing students with insights into the functioning of local bodies.
Updated maps and information on local bodies further enhance students’ understanding of grassroots governance, facilitating a deeper appreciation for democratic processes at the local level.
Class 9 is said to introduce students to the intricacies of the Central and state governments, judicial systems, and electoral mechanisms.
The curriculum has been enriched with updated details on India’s states and Union Territories, offering students a current perspective on the country’s administrative landscape.
Moreover, the inclusion of visuals such as a picture of the new Parliament House and administrative maps enhances students’ spatial understanding of India’s governance structures.
Additionally, the curriculum now delves into the electoral process with added information on initiatives like SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) and National Voter’s Day.
The syllabus also includes details on military training centres, shipbuilding centres, and the Central Armed Police Force in the National Defence chapter.
A new chapter on international relations, aimed at broadening students’ perspectives on global affairs, has also been introduced.
The curriculum for Class 10 has reportedly undergone significant restructuring. A new chapter on “Public Administration” replaces the previous focus on India’s relations with foreign countries.
The inclusion of the short title “Foreign Policy of India” is expected to enhance students’ understanding of India’s diplomatic endeavours and global engagements.
The curriculum also focuses on gender equality and social justice with the incorporation of information on the “Naree Shakti Vandana” Act.
The Karnataka Textbook Revision Committee has also made changes in economics, business studies and geography subjects as well.
Sociology: The chapter on the POCSO Act has been revised, incorporating amendments to the meaning and types of sociology. Additionally, content deemed essential in “Social Movements and Social Stratification” has been added.
Economics: An “Introduction and Definition of Economics” has been included in the curriculum. The meaning of “National Income” has also been newly added. Furthermore, details on the Five-Year Plan, NITI Aayog, public finance, and budget have been updated. Information about Dr MS Swaminathan, the pioneer of the green revolution, being conferred with the Bharat Ratna, has been incorporated.
Business Studies: The curriculum has been updated with explanations and examples for cooperatives, multinationals, and market types. Additionally, information on bank mergers has been included.
Geography: Maps and statistics related to taluks and districts have been updated to align with the content. Information on national highways, airports, and metro trains has been added. Moreover, the latest information about bird sanctuaries, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and world heritage sites has been provided.
In a significant overhaul of Kannada first language textbooks, several changes and additions have been introduced across different grade levels.
For Classes 1-5, children’s poems by esteemed Kannada poets KV Thirumalesh and VG Bhatt have been newly incorporated into the supplemental reading materials, enriching students’ exposure to Kannada literature.
A new lesson commemorating Women’s Day has been introduced, spotlighting the achievements of women across various fields, to inspire students with stories of female empowerment.
The supplementary prose Pramanikathe (Honesty) has been removed, apparently to focus on core literary themes.
To better align with students’ comprehension levels, Purandardasa’s challenging kirtan has been relocated from Class 5 to Class 8, apparently for a more age-appropriate learning experience.
For Classes 6 and 7, poems by BS Kurkala and Rajasekhara Kukkunda have been omitted, ostensibly due to their complexity surpassing the intended age range of students.
Additionally, Srinivasa Udupara’s poem has been transferred as supplementary verse in the Class 10 third-language Kannada book, meant for advanced learners.
Poems by senior Kannada poets like K Kimanerai and HS Shivaprakash have been freshly added, said to be in an effort to offer a diverse range of poetic expressions.
For Classes 8 to 10, new lessons have been introduced, featuring poems and prose by senior and award-winning Kannada authors, ostensibly to deepen students’ engagement with Kannada literature.
Notable additions include works by Chandrashekhara Kambara, Girish Karnad, Devidas, Mariappa Bhatta, AN Murthy Rao, Devanur Mahadeva, and Akkamahadevi.
Old Kannada text has replaced Durgasimha’s Vriksha Sakshi lesson, with AS Murthyraya’s essay being included.
Students in Classes 5 to 7 can now delve into classic children’s literature. Among the newly-introduced literary treasures are Santhamman by Hoysala, Tuthuri by Rajaratnam, Desha Prema by Adiga, and Kanasinali by VG Bhatta.
The Class 8 curriculum sees the story Blood Group replaced with Nemichandra’s environmental-protection-related prose article Yenadru Maadi Doorabedi.
Ogatu, Sir M Visveswaraiah, and Basavanna Vachana have been included in this grade for supplementary reading.
For supplementary reading for Class 9 students, two poems have been added: Govina Charitari by SG Narasimhachar and Samudra Chumbana by Mudnakoodu Chinnaswamy.
In a bid to streamline the curriculum for Class 10, the foreign travelogue Tuscode Wax Museum has been replaced with Gangeli Deepa Maale by GS Sivarudrappa.
Additionally, poems celebrating the Kannada state and language from Kaviraja Marga, along with articles by HM Nayak and Gaurish Kaykini, have been introduced as supplementary texts.
The inclusion of articles by noted writers Nagesh Hegde and P Lankesh, along with poetry by the acclaimed Srinivasa Udupara have been added to the Kannada third-language curriculum for Classes 9 and 10.
The Karnataka Textbook Revision Committee, in its mandate for the thorough revision of textbooks for the academic year 2024-25, reportedly prioritised the educational interests of students while adhering to national and state curriculum frameworks, as well as Constitutional guidelines.
It is said to have drawn from the 2023-24 textbook manual, issued by Karnataka’s Department of School Education.
The committee is reported to have diligently reviewed requests from various organisations, individuals, and government departments regarding the inclusion, omission, or revision of specific content in the textbooks.
Suggestions deemed appropriate were incorporated into the revision process.
The textbooks have been divided into two volumes for the current academic year, ostensibly to streamline the learning process and alleviate the burden on students.
Lessons and topics have reportedly been systematically arranged from simplicity to complexity to facilitate a smoother learning progression.
The revisions are also said to acknowledge the significance of Kannada literature and Jnanpith award-winning works.
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