Altered Image of Mohenjo-Daro's 'Dancing Girl' Sparks Debate in New NCERT Art Book

The new Class 9 art education book by NCERT, titled *Madhurima*, features a modified image of the iconic 'Dancing Girl' statue from Mohenjo-daro, which has raised eyebrows due to the alteration of its appearance. This statue, a symbol of the Indus Valley Civilization, has been depicted without clothing for decades in educational materials. The change has prompted discussions about the representation of historical artifacts in education, yet NCERT has not provided any official comments on the matter. The book aims to enhance art education in line with the National Education Policy, but the modification remains a contentious topic.

By Ambika Singh Jun 15, 2026, 14:15 IST

Introduction to the Altered Statue

The renowned bronze sculpture from Mohenjo-daro, famously known as the 'Dancing Girl,' has been depicted in a modified version in *Madhurima*, a newly released Class 9 art education textbook by NCERT. In this rendition, the statue's previously exposed torso is now obscured, giving the impression that she is clothed. This alteration is significant as the statue has been featured in NCERT materials for nearly 25 years without any modifications to its appearance.

Details of the Statue

This revised image is found in the book's opening chapter, titled 'History of Art.' The statue, measuring about four inches in height, was excavated from Mohenjo-daro and portrays a young girl with her hair styled in a bun, adorned with various bangles, bracelets, and a necklace.

Significance of the 'Dancing Girl'

**A Remarkable Example of Indus Civilization Art and Metallurgy**

The 'Dancing Girl' is celebrated as one of the most iconic artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization. Her poised stance and intricate craftsmanship have established her as a prominent symbol of the Harappan culture. Archaeologists view this statue as a testament to the civilization's sophisticated metallurgical skills. The original piece is currently displayed at the National Museum in New Delhi.

Educational Context

**Book Released Under the New Education Policy**

*Madhurima* is part of NCERT's innovative art education series, created in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). The aim is to integrate art education into the curriculum for students from Classes 1 to 10. To date, textbooks for Classes 1 through 9 have been published.

Ongoing Discussions

**No Response from NCERT**

Concerns have been raised regarding the modification of the statue's image; however, there has been no official comment from the NCERT Director as of now. As a result, this topic continues to be a matter of public discourse.