Backlash forces NCERT to restore Mohenjo-daro’s nude Dancing Girl

New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has decided to restore the original image of the famous Dancing Girl bronze figurine of Mohenjo-daro after facing criticism over an edited version published in a Class 9 textbook. The controversy erupted after the institution used a digitally altered image that obscured the statue’s nudity through shading, effectively presenting it as clothed.

The modified image appeared in Madhurima, NCERT’s new Class 9 arts education textbook, under the opening chapter on the history of art. Historians, academics and other experts criticised the alteration, arguing that it distorted a significant archaeological artefact of the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Following media reports and the growing backlash, the issue was placed before the Arts Education Department and the Textbook Development Committee for review. After a meeting on Monday, NCERT decided that the original, unaltered image would be reinstated. The correction will be implemented immediately in digital editions of the textbook and in all future printed copies.

Officials confirmed that the review committee concluded the historically accurate image should remain in the textbook. However, NCERT has not disclosed who authorised the alteration or when the decision to modify the image was taken.

The episode has also revived earlier debates within textbook development circles regarding the inclusion of the Dancing Girl statuette in school materials. Michel Danino, who headed the committee that developed the Class 6 Social Science textbook, had previously indicated that objections had been raised over the suitability of the figurine for younger students because of its nudity.

With the controversy intensifying, NCERT has now moved to reverse the change and restore the original representation of one of the most recognisable artefacts from ancient India.