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A Class 8 reference book calls freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak the "Father of Terrorism". Printed by a Matura-based publisher, the book is used by private English-medium schools affiliated to the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE).
The Rajasthan State Textbook Board publishes books in Hindi, leaving students no other option but to use reference books.
The description is part of sub-topic "Incidents of National Movement during 18th and 19th century".
"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 reads.
Officials at the Student Advisor Publication Private Limited, which publishes the book, said the mistake had been rectified in the revised edition.
Dr RS Khangarot, professor of history in Agrawal PG College, Jaipur, said Tilak awakened the people of the country during the Home Rule movement in 1916.
Retired professor of history, Rajasthan University, BL Gupta said British author Ignatius Valentine Chirol had described Tilak as "the father of Indian unrest".
"It is derogatory to call Tilak the father of terrorism," he said.
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