A recently released grade‑nine NCERT textbook featured the famous “Dancing Girl” bronze figurine from Mohenjo‑daro with a shaded torso, sparking backlash among historians, educationists, and the broader public.
The figure, a key symbol of the Indus Valley civilization, had never been censored in earlier editions or elsewhere in the national curriculum. The visual alteration was promptly reported, and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) confirmed that the original, unmodified image has been restored in the digital version and will appear in all forthcoming print editions.
NCERT director Dinesh Saklani said the department had consulted experts before deciding to revert the picture. He highlighted the importance of trusting students and educators with authentic representations of historical artifacts, rather than imposing unwarranted modesty standards on ancient art.
The “Dancing Girl” itself—a bronze figurine dating back to 2600 BCE—depicts a girl poised with one hand on her hip. It showcases the ancient society’s sophistication in metallurgy and human anatomy and continues to serve as a touchstone for the study of prehistoric art.
The incident has reignited discussions about the ethics of editing cultural material in school resources. Commentators argue that censorship can detract from teaching critical analysis and reduce students’ exposure to authentic historical artifacts.
This case comes amid broader debates over the NCERT’s inclusion of visual and performing arts content under India’s National Education Policy, which aims to integrate arts into mainstream schooling. However, the controversy suggests that the adoption of visual materials must balance cultural sensitivity with academic integrity.
