NCERT to replace covered-up 'Dancing Girl' image with original version in Class 9 textbook
By Vishu Adhana, New Delhi, June 15
Following criticism over the shaded depiction of the iconic 'Dancing Girl' figurine in a Class 9 textbook, the National Council of Educational Research and Training has decided to replace the image with the original version in its arts education textbook.
NCERT Director Dinesh Saklani said that the issue was taken up immediately after it came to the organisation's notice, and the concerned department was directed to review the matter.
"As soon as the issue came to notice, the concerned department was directed to look into the matter. Following consultations with experts, the department is replacing the image of the Dancing Girl with its original version. The correction is being implemented immediately in the digital version of the textbook, while the revised print editions will carry the original version of the image," Saklani told ANI.
The clarification came after the altered depiction of the renowned Indus Valley Civilisation artefact in the newly introduced textbook drew criticism from academicians, some of whom described it as an act of censorship.
The figurine, one of the most celebrated artefacts of the Indus Valley Civilisation, appeared in a darker shade in the textbook, with parts of its torso covered compared to its original form.
The image appears in a textbook that is part of NCERT's first-ever arts education series introduced for Classes 1 to 10 under the National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). The initiative aims to integrate arts education into mainstream schooling. Textbooks from Classes 1 to 9 have been released so far.
The original bronze statuette, discovered at Mohenjo-Daro, stands about 10.5 cm tall and is known for its naturalistic representation. The figure is depicted nude except for multiple bangles on one arm and a necklace.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is what happens when you try to impose modern sensibilities on ancient artifacts. Our ancestors were not ashamed of the human body. The original should always be shown in textbooks. Good that they fixed it.
Question is—who approved the altered version in the first place? This shows lack of proper review process. But kudos to NCERT for accepting mistake and correcting it promptly. Better late than never.
As an art historian, I'm relieved. The Dancing Girl is a masterpiece of bronze casting and naturalistic representation. Covering any part of it is a disservice to our shared cultural heritage. Glad rationality prevailed. 🙌
This is why we need more historians and archaeologists on curriculum committees, not just bureaucrats who think they know better. The Indus Valley civilization deserves to be taught honestly—without bowdlerization.
While I'm happy they corrected it, I still worry about the broader trend of sanitizing history. Our children deserve to see the past as it was—unvarnished and true. Let's hope this is a lesson learned.
Actually, I think the outrage was a bit overblown. It was probably just an editing error, not deliberate censorship. But good that
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