Controversy over the “Dancing Girl of Mohenjodaro” image

The world-famous bronze sculpture known as the “Dancing Girl of Mohenjodaro,” believed to date back to the Indus Valley Civilization, has sparked controversy after NCERT reportedly altered its depiction in a Class 9 textbook. The statue is considered evidence of advanced metallurgy and artistic expression nearly 4,500 years ago.

In the revised textbook, the figure’s lower body was partially masked, drawing criticism from historians and experts. The same image, however, was printed in its original form in a Class 6 textbook, raising questions about inconsistency in representation.

Following widespread debate, NCERT has now decided to restore the original image in the Class 9 textbook. Officials confirmed that the unaltered version of the iconic artifact will be published, after experts criticized the modification as historically misleading.