NCERT will restore the original image of the iconic Mohenjo-daro ‘Dancing Girl’ in its Class 9 Arts textbook after criticism over a modified version that covered the figurine’s bare torso. Historians and educators argued the alteration misrepresented the artefact and reflected outdated views on nudity, prompting NCERT to reverse its decision.

New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will replace the modified image of the iconic "Dancing Girl" figurine of Mohenjo-daro in its Class 9 Arts textbook with the original version, following criticism over the 'clothed' depiction of the artefact.

The move comes as a debate erupted over the representation of one of the most recognisable archaeological artefacts from the Indus Valley Civilisation in school textbooks.

Asked by PTI whether the NCERT will replace the retouched image of the 'Dancing Girl' in the Class 9 Arts textbook with the original version, its Director Dinesh Saklani replied in the affirmative.

The bronze figurine -- "Dancing Girl" of Mohenjo-daro -- was depicted with its bare torso covered in the opening chapter, "History of Arts", of Madhurima, NCERT's new Class 9 Arts education textbook.