Madhya Pradesh Minister Challenges Historical Narratives

Madhya Pradesh's Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar has sparked controversy by asserting that Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama did not discover the sea route to India but instead followed an Indian merchant named Chandan. During a convocation at Barkatullah University, he also claimed that Columbus did not discover America, suggesting that Indian traders had established trade routes there as early as the 8th century. Parmar criticized the historical narratives taught in schools, stating that they misrepresent India's achievements and contributions. He announced plans to remove references to Vasco da Gama from the state's educational syllabus, arguing that Indian history predates his arrival. The remarks have drawn attention not only for their revisionist stance but also for their implications on how history is taught in India. Critics and supporters alike are watching how these changes will manifest in the education system.