NCERT’s newly released Class 9 arts textbook depicts the Indus Valley bronze figure commonly known as the “Dancing Girl” in a modified form, prompting criticism from historians, archaeologists and others. Several sources report that the adaptation changes the appearance of the original artefact discovered at Mohenjo Daro. In the textbook image, the figure’s torso is visually covered compared with the traditionally bare torso seen in descriptions and reproductions of the original sculpture. The image is also described as having been altered in shading, including a darker presentation and coverage of parts of the torso.
Critics argue that the textbook’s version misrepresents the 4,500-year-old artefact and that the changes affect how students understand the original work. NCERT has stated that the issue is under review. The dispute also extends to how the figure’s physical features are portrayed, with some commentary focusing on the impact of the cover and altered colouring on the figure’s overall appearance. The agency is assessing the feedback and the revised depiction.
