Rajasthan: Class 8 book claims, Bal Gangadhar Tilak as 'father of terrorism'

A Class 8 Social Studies reference book of Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) has termed freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak as the 'father of terrorism'. The following claims were mentioned in a part of sub-topic under 'Incidents of National Movement during 18th and 19th century'.

The book further read that Tilak became a "thorn" in the eyes of the Britishers because he instilled the mantra of freedom among the masses.

"Tilak clearly believed that we cannot achieve anything just by pleading the British officers. Through Shivaji and Ganpati festivals, Tilak aroused unique awareness in the country. He instilled the mantra of freedom among the masses, due to which he became a thorn in the eyes of the British," the book further read.

The book, published by a Mathura-based publisher, was being used by private English-medium schools affiliated to the Rajasthan education board.

Meanwhile, reacting to reports, an official at Student Advisor Publication Private Limited which publishes the books stated that the mistake has been rectified.