NCERT alters 'Dancing Girl' image in new textbook, sparks controversy

NCERT's recently released Class 9 textbook 'Madhurima' has altered the depiction of the iconic 'Dancing Girl' statue from the Indus Valley Civilization. The image in the book shows the statue's torso covered with color, giving the appearance of clothing, unlike the original bronze statue, which is unclothed. This change appears in the first chapter, 'History of Arts,' of the textbook, which is part of NCERT's new Arts Education series under the National Education Policy (NEP) and National Curriculum Framework (NCF).

Historians, including Michel Danino, have criticized this modification, calling it censorship. Danino stated that covering the statue's torso misrepresents the artifact and creates an inaccurate portrayal of history. He questioned whether students would also be restricted from viewing the original statue and other similar artifacts displayed in the National Museum.

NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani responded to queries about the alteration, stating there was no specific reason behind the change. He clarified that the original image of the 'Dancing Girl' remains in the Class 6 Social Science textbook, where it is presented as one of the major discoveries of the Harappan Civilization.

Danino also highlighted a previous instance where objections were raised about the statue's depiction in NCERT's Class 6 textbook. The image was moved from the opening page to a smaller placement inside the chapter but was not removed entirely.

Key Points

• NCERT's new Class 9 textbook 'Madhurima' modifies the 'Dancing Girl' statue image by covering parts of the torso.
• Historians, including Michel Danino, criticized the change as censorship and misrepresentation.
• NCERT Director stated there was no specific reason for the alteration.
• The original image of the 'Dancing Girl' remains in the Class 6 Social Science textbook.
• Previous objections to the statue's depiction led to changes in its placement within the Class 6 textbook.