The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has decided to replace the altered image of the iconic 'Dancing Girl' figurine in its Class 9 arts textbook with the original version following criticism from academicians and historians.
NCERT's Response to Controversy
NCERT Director Dinesh Saklani told ANI that the matter was reviewed as soon as it came to the organisation's notice and the concerned department was instructed to examine the issue. According to Saklani, consultations with experts led to the decision to restore the original depiction of the artefact.
Criticism Over Altered Depiction
The controversy erupted after the renowned Indus Valley Civilisation artefact appeared in a modified form in the new Class 9 arts textbook, with parts of its traditionally bare torso visually obscured. Critics argued that the changes amounted to censorship and misrepresented a historically significant artefact. The image was part of NCERT's first-ever arts education series textbooks introduced for Classes 1 to 10 under the National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).
About the 'Dancing Girl'
Discovered at Mohenjo-daro, the 4,500-year-old bronze statuette is one of the most celebrated artefacts of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Standing about 10.5 cm tall, the figure is known for its naturalistic representation and is depicted wearing jewellery, including multiple bangles and a necklace. In the new textbook, however, the figurine appeared in a darker shade, with parts of the torso visually covered compared to the original sculpture.
NCERT's decision to restore the original image has been welcomed by historians and academicians who view it as a step towards preserving the integrity of historical artefacts in educational materials.
