From fugdi to zagor, folk traditions find space in Class X syllabus for first time

Gauree.Malkarnekar@timesofindia.com

Panaji: For the first time, Goan folk dances and traditional folk dramas will be part of the Class X syllabus, with the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education introducing a new social science textbook from the 2026-27 academic year.

The revised textbook, which covers history and political science, includes chapters on Goa’s cultural heritage, exposing students to folk dances such as fugdi, dhalo, dekhni, godemodni, mando, kunbi dance and goff, along with lesser-known forms like morulo and mussol khel.

Traditional folk dramas, including ranmale, khell tiatr, zagor, perni zagor, gawda zagor, kaalo and virbhadra, have also been incorporated into the curriculum for the first time.

“The inclusion of Goa’s rich and unique history will help students connect with local heritage. This new textbook is in line with NEP 2020 and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the major developments that have shaped not only the world and our nation but also the state of Goa,” Goa Board chairman Bhagirath Shetye told TOI.

The textbook builds on the revised Class IX history book introduced in 2023-24, which covered Goa’s prehistoric, ancient and medieval past and included a chapter on the Cuncolim revolt for the first time.

The new Class X volume focuses on Goa’s modern political and freedom struggle history, featuring chapters on the Rane revolts (1852-1912), the emergence of political organisations from 1928, Goa Revolution Day, the activities of the Azad Gomantak Dal, the satyagrahas of 1954 and 1955, Operation Vijay and the formation of Goa’s first govt under Dayanand Bandodkar.

The book also profiles key figures associated with Goa’s liberation movement, including T B Cunha, Juliao Menezes, Ram Manohar Lohia, Purushottam Kakodkar, Libia Lobo Sardesai and Karnal Singh, while highlighting the contributions of women freedom fighters.

According to Shetye, the political science section emphasises the functioning of state institutions and local self-govt, helping students understand democratic processes and prepare for competitive examinations.

The textbook also examines Goa’s administrative evolution since Liberation, including developments after statehood. Alongside regional history, it includes chapters on major national events such as the 2016 and 2019 surgical strikes, the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and Operation Sindoor in 2025.