The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has launched a new Class 9 mathematics textbook titled Ganita Manjari Part 1, which emphasizes the rich history of mathematics in ancient India. This 196-page textbook highlights the Sindhu-Sarasvati civilization as the first to systematically use grid-based thinking and recognizes the contributions of ancient scholars such as Brahmagupta, who formalized the concepts of zero and negative numbers, and Madhava, who is credited with foundational work in calculus. The textbook opens with a verse from Vedanga Jyotisha, one of the world's oldest texts on astronomy, and integrates the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) extensively, contrasting with the previous textbook's limited references to ancient India. NCERT director Dinesh Prasad Saklani emphasized the importance of understanding these historical developments to foster a sense of cultural identity among students. While the textbook has received praise, some experts have raised concerns about the accuracy of certain claims, particularly regarding the interpretations of Baudhayana's and Brahmagupta's works. The new textbook will be implemented in the 2026-27 academic session, replacing the previous edition published in 2006.