BHU stokes controversy with questions on triple talaq, Alauddin Khilji in MA History paper

The Banaras Hindus University (BHU) landed in a huge controversy after it asked questions on triple talaq, halala and Alauddin Khilji in its examination papers on Saturday.

The incident came soon after reports claimed the century-old college had asked questions on the nature of GST in Kautilya's Arthashastra and on "Manu is the first Indian thinker of globalisation" in a political science paper as part of an MA examination.

'University trying to impose its ideology'

The questions on triple talaq and Alauddin Khilji were asked as a part of the History paper in an MA course.

The paper asked the students questions like "What is Halala in Islam?", "The rate of wheat fixed by Alauddin Khilji", "Discuss about Teen Talaq" and "Halala as a social evil in Islam".

The history paper has also asked questions on Rani Padmavati.

However, these unusual questions did not go down well with the students and they alleged that the varsity was trying to impose a particular ideology on them through the education system.

"The university found nothing wrong with the set of questions asked. I felt that the questions were offensive," Vikas, a student at the University, was quoted as saying by ANI.

Vikas also claimed this was a veiled attempt to divide the students.

University refutes allegations

Meanwhile, a history professor rubbished all the allegations made by the students.

"If students are not taught and asked about such things then how will they know about it? When they are taught medieval history these things automatically become a part of it. History has been distorted and we need to teach these things to them so that they know the 'real' history," said assistant professor of history Rajiv Srivastava.

He cited examples of other varsities — such as Aligarh Muslim University and Jawaharlal Nehru University — which reportedly asked questions on child marriage and Sati.

"Islam also has demerits which must be raised. When we teach the history of Islam we will have to teach such things. People like Sanjay Leela Bhansali won't teach history to students," added the professor.

Meanwhile, the students have complained that the topics were not part of the syllabus.