NCERT Modifies Image of Indus Valley Dancing Girl in Updated Class 9 Art Textbook

A bronze statuette, emblematic of the Indus Valley Civilization and discovered at the archaeological site of Mohenjo Daro, has been included in a new educational textbook. The original artifact, which dates back to around 2500 BCE, depicts a nude figure adorned solely with multiple bangles on one arm and a necklace, reflecting the artistic style and cultural practices of the time.

In the textbook version, the statuette has been altered, appearing in a darker hue and with portions of the torso covered, diverging from its original representation. This change has sparked discussions about the depiction of historical artifacts in educational materials, particularly in relation to cultural sensitivity and the importance of accurately reflecting historical contexts.

The statuette is significant not only for its artistic value but also for its insights into the social and cultural life of the Indus Valley, which was one of the worlds earliest urban civilizations, flourishing alongside contemporaneous cultures in Mesopotamia and Egypt. Mohenjo Daro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continues to be a focal point for scholars studying urban planning, trade, and social structure of ancient societies.