NCERT shades image of Indus Valley ‘dancing girl’ in new class 9 art textbook
The original bronze statuette, discovered at Mohenjo Daro, is depicted nude except for multiple bangles on one arm and a necklace; in the new textbook, it appears in a darker shade, with parts of the torso covered compared to its original form
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Context
The (NCERT) has faced scrutiny for altering the image of the iconic 'Dancing Girl' of Mohenjo Daro in a new Class 9 art education textbook. The 4,500-year-old Indus Valley civilization bronze figurine, originally depicted nude with jewelry, appears with a darker shade and parts of the torso covered in the textbook, prompting a review by the NCERT textbook development team.
UPSC Perspectives
Historical and Cultural Significance
The 'Dancing Girl' is a quintessential artifact of the (IVC), reflecting the advanced metallurgical skills and aesthetic sensibilities of the period. Discovered in Mohenjo Daro, the 10.5 cm bronze statuette was created using the lost-wax casting technique (cire perdue), a complex process demonstrating the technological prowess of Harappan artisans. Its naturalistic posture, detailed jewelry (multiple bangles and a necklace), and distinctive hairstyle offer critical insights into IVC culture, fashion, and social life. From a UPSC perspective, understanding the art and architecture of the IVC is a core syllabus component. Any alteration in its historical representation in educational materials touches upon the broader debate of how heritage is interpreted and taught. Candidates should focus on the specific features of IVC art forms (bronze casting, terracotta, seals, and pottery) and their significance in constructing India's ancient history.
Educational Policy and Institutional Governance
The introduction of the new arts education series is part of the implementation of the (NEP) and the (NCF), which aim to integrate arts education into mainstream schooling to foster holistic development. The (NCERT) acts as the apex advisory body for school education in India. The alteration of historical artifacts in textbooks raises governance issues regarding the standardization and authenticity of educational content. The controversy highlights the tension between preserving historical accuracy and navigating contemporary sensibilities in curriculum design. The UPSC often asks questions regarding educational reforms, the role of autonomous bodies like NCERT, and the challenges in implementing the NEP. The incident underscores the necessity for rigorous peer review mechanisms and transparent processes within textbook development committees to maintain academic integrity and prevent ideological or subjective interpretations of established historical facts.
Heritage Interpretation and Contemporary Discourse
This is not the first instance where the representation of the 'Dancing Girl' has been contested; a previous modern adaptation used as a mascot for the International Museum Expo also drew criticism from historians and archaeologists for significantly altering the original artifact's appearance (e.g., changing skin tone and adding clothing). Such incidents reflect a growing trend of reinterpreting ancient heritage through a modern lens, raising critical questions about historical revisionism and the right to interpret cultural history. The debate centers on whether educational materials should present historical artifacts in their unvarnished, original state or adapt them to align with present-day societal norms. For civil services aspirants, this touches upon topics related to cultural preservation, the ethics of historical representation, and the role of the state in shaping historical narratives. Understanding these dynamics is essential for addressing questions on cultural policy and heritage conservation in GS Paper 1 and ethical considerations in GS Paper 4.