A school textbook in India has withdrawn a modified image of the iconic bronze 'Dancing Girl' statue from Mohenjo-daro after historians and educators strongly objected to the censored depiction. The original image showed the girl standing with one hand on her hip, but the newly released Grade 9 textbook covered her torso with dark shading, hiding anatomical details.

Following the uproar, officials confirmed that the original image has been restored in the digital version of the book, and new print editions will also feature the unedited photograph. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), which drafted the textbook, faced accusations of disfiguring the ancient artifact.

NCERT director Dinesh Saklani told reporters: 'Following consultations with experts, the department is replacing the image of the Dancing Girl with its original version.' The statue, discovered at Mohenjo-daro, is one of the most recognizable artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization and has appeared in textbooks for decades without any censorship.

NCERT has not provided a reason for the modification, but media speculation suggests concerns over nudity. An editorial in the Indian Express criticized the move, stating: 'The Dancing Girl has been significant not because it conforms to a blindfolded standard of modesty but because it embodies poise, confidence and unmistakable presence.'

The textbook is part of NCERT's new Arts Education Series under the National Education Policy (NEP), aimed at integrating arts into mainstream schooling. The statue is currently housed at the National Museum in Delhi.

Source: www.bbc.com