After criticism, NCERT to restore original ‘Dancing Girl’ image in school textbook
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will replace a modified image of the “Dancing Girl” figurine in its Class 9 Arts textbook with the original version. Director Dinesh Saklani confirmed the move to PTI following criticism that the modified image “clothed” the Mohenjo-daro bronze artefact.
The modified image appeared in the “History of Arts” opening chapter of the new Class 9 textbook, Madhurima. In this version, shading was used across the figurine’s upper body to obscure anatomical details visible in the original sculpture.
This version differed from the NCERT’s Class 6 Social Science textbook, which featured an image closer to the original bronze sculpture.
Why was the “Dancing Girl” image modified?
Michel Danino, who led the textbook development committee for the Class 6 Social Science books, told PTI he was informed the original image was considered “not age-appropriate.” Danino stated his team disagreed with this assessment, noting that Class 6 teachers reported no issues with the original figurine.
Danino described the idea that nudity is inappropriate as an “obsolete Victorian view” that conflicts with efforts toward “decolonising Indian education.” He expressed disbelief that the figurine could not appear with proper dimensions in a chapter dedicated to Indian art.
What is the historical significance of the figurine?
The bronze sculpture from Mohenjo-daro is one of the most recognized artefacts of the Indus Valley Civilisation. It is characterized by a specific posture featuring a slightly lifted chin, one hand on the waist, and one bent knee.
According to Danino, this “akimbo posture” has been identified on at least two potsherds from the Bhirrana Harappan site in Rajasthan. This suggests the pose held a precise artistic or cultural value.
Danino compared the NCERT modification to the Middle Ages when the Church added a fig leaf to Michelangelo’s statue of David, arguing that such changes misrepresent the original work of art.
What happens next for the textbooks?
NCERT is likely to update the Class 9 Arts textbook to ensure the figurine is depicted accurately. A possible next step could involve a review of other historical images to ensure they are not visually altered unless the change indicates a reconstruction of a partial artefact.
Failure to maintain original dimensions in art history chapters may, according to Danino, signal a lack of understanding regarding how historical artefacts should be pictured.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was the image of the Dancing Girl altered in the Class 9 textbook?
The torso of the figurine was visually altered using shading to cover the bare upper body and obscure anatomical details.
What is the “lost-wax technique” mentioned in the text?
It is the method used to create the bronze figurine, a technique that remains prevalent in West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.
Who confirmed that the image would be replaced?
NCERT Director Dinesh Saklani confirmed the replacement in response to an inquiry from PTI.
How should educational institutions balance age-appropriateness with the need for historical accuracy in textbooks?