NCERT Restores Original Image of Indus Valley Civilization "Dancing Girl" Figurine

The Event

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced the restoration of the original photograph of the Indus Valley Civilization's "Dancing Girl" figurine in its revised Class 9 history textbooks. The decision reverses a previous textbook draft that altered the visual depiction of the artifact, addressing feedback from historians and educators to maintain archaeological accuracy.

Background & Context

The "Dancing Girl" is one of the most famous and culturally significant artifacts from the Harappan Civilization. Discovered in Mohenjo-daro (now in Pakistan) in 1926 by British archaeologist Ernest Mackay, the statuette is a masterpiece of early metal metallurgy. Its posture, jewelry, and structure offer deep insights into the social life, aesthetics, and metal-working capabilities of the Harappan people.

Key Statistics

• Age of the Figurine: Approximately 4,500 years old (dated circa 2500 BCE).
• Statuette Height: Measures 10.5 centimeters (approx. 4.1 inches) in height.
• Discovery Year: Discovered in 1926 in the HR area of Mohenjo-daro.

Static GK & Related Facts

• Lost-Wax Casting (Cire Perdue): The metal-casting technique where a molten metal is poured into a mold created from a wax model. The Harappans were experts in this method.
• Material Composition: Made of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin.
• Harappan Sites: Major Harappan sites include Harappa, Mohenjo-daro (Pakistan), Lothal, Kalibangan, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, and Banawali (India).