NCERT Class 9 arts book alters ‘Dancing Girl’ image, sparks debate over representation of historic artefact

The representation of the iconic Indus Valley Civilisation artefact known as the “Dancing Girl” in a new NCERT Class 9 arts textbook has triggered debate after observers noted that the figurine’s bare torso appears to have been covered in the published image.

The image appears in Madhurima, NCERT’s newly introduced Class 9 arts education textbook, in a chapter titled “History of Arts”. Compared with photographs of the original bronze sculpture discovered at Mohenjo-daro, the textbook version shows visual alterations that obscure anatomical details of the figurine.

The development has raised questions because the same artefact appears in a form closer to the original sculpture in NCERT’s Class 6 Social Science textbook.

Historian and author Michel Danino, who headed the textbook development committee for NCERT’s Class 6 Social Science books, said he had previously been informed that the figurine was considered “not age-appropriate” for younger students.

Danino said his team disagreed with that assessment and maintained that teachers had not reported any concerns regarding the inclusion of the original image in educational material.

Reacting to the depiction in the Class 9 textbook, Danino argued that altering the image changes the representation of a historically significant artefact and raises concerns about how cultural heritage is presented to students.

The textbook identifies the “Dancing Girl” as a bronze figurine from Mohenjo-daro dating to around 2600 BCE and explains the lost-wax casting technique used in its creation. It also includes classroom activities and discussion prompts related to the figure’s posture and artistic significance.

The “Dancing Girl” is among the most recognised artefacts of the Indus Valley Civilisation and has long been featured in academic and historical discussions about ancient Indian art and culture.

NCERT has not issued a public statement regarding the difference in the figurine’s representation across its textbooks.