Renowned bronze figurine "Dancing Girl" from Mohenjo Daro has seen changes in new Class 9 art textbook by NCERT. This 4,500-year-old artifact, known for its lifelike form,now appears darker,parts of torso hidden — a shift from original nude with bangles and necklace .
This change part of NCERT's first arts series, integrating arts into Classes 1 to 10 curriculum under NEP and NCF. Textbooks for Classes 1-9 published under this drive.
At just 10.5 cm tall,original statuette has been in Indian educational materials for decades. An NCERT official said altered image issue sent to textbook team for review. No reason for change given. Meanwhile, same figurine in its original form in Grade 6 Social Science book, alongside other historical pieces .
Attempts to contact NCERT Director Dinesh Shaklani for comment unanswered before report filed. Figurine's portrayal stirred discussion,especially during International Museum Day May 2023. Then, PM Modi launched International Museum Expo in Delhi,introducing modern mascot inspired by Dancing Girl .
This new take met backlash from historians and social media. Critics noted mascot, over five feet tall, altered original's look. Unlike ancient dark, unclothed bronze, mascot shown light-skinned, dressed in bright pink blouse,off-white waistcoat .
Changes to Dancing Girl in NCERT textbook have reignited debate on historical artifact representation in education . As textbook team reviews,conversation over portrayal of this Indus Valley icon...
