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Actor R Madhavan has voiced his concerns over the selective representation of Indian history in school textbooks, particularly criticizing the omission of significant contributions from South Indian dynasties. Speaking during the promotion of his film Kesari Chapter 2, Madhavan lamented the marginalization of southern kingdoms like the Cholas, Pandyas, Pallavas, and Cheras in academic curricula.
“I might get into trouble for saying this, but I’ll still say it,” he remarked. “When I was in school, we had eight chapters on the Mughals, two on Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, four on British rule and the freedom movement, but just one chapter on southern kingdoms. The Chola Empire was over 2,400 years old, while the Mughals and the British ruled for about 800 years combined.”
Highlighting the accomplishments of the Cholas, Madhavan pointed out their prowess in naval trade, temple architecture, and cultural influence beyond India’s borders. “They were pioneers of sea travel. Their spice trade extended to Rome, and they built temples as far as Angkor Wat. Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism spread to China. People in Korea speak half Tamil — that’s how far our language has reached. And yet, this is barely covered in our history books.”
He also questioned the lack of global recognition for Tamil, which he described as “the oldest language in the world,” and criticized the neglect of scientific and cultural knowledge embedded in Indian heritage. “Whose narrative are we following? Who set this syllabus? The ancient wisdom in our culture is being mocked.”
Madhavan’s remarks come amid ongoing controversy over textbook revisions by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The new Class 7 history syllabus has removed extensive sections on the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, the caste system, and various social movements. In their place, the revised curriculum includes references to contemporary government initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’, and religious pilgrimages like the Char Dham Yatra.
Taking a critical view of colonial-era narratives, Madhavan cited how even tragic events like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre are distorted. “The British version suggests that somehow we were at fault — as if ‘humne badmaashi kiye honge’,” he said.
Madhavan stars in Kesari Chapter 2, a dramatized sequel centered on the aftermath of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The film is based on The Case That Shook the Empire, which recounts the legal battle that challenged British colonial rule.
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