Decrypting intelligence dossier...
The National Council of Educational Research and Training announced the restoration of the original, unaltered image of the Mohenjo-daro Dancing Girl in its Class nine history textbook. This reversal follows widespread criticism over a recently published version that artificially added clothing to the bronze figurine, sparking debates on historical authenticity.
“A famous 4,500-year-old bronze statue from ancient India, known as the Dancing Girl, is naked. Recently, a school textbook printed a picture of it with fake clothes drawn on, causing outrage among historians. The education board has now agreed to print the real, original picture instead.”
Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times
The Lost-Wax Technique (Cire Perdue) is an ancient method of metal casting. A sculptor carves a wax model, covers it in clay, and bakes it. The wax melts and drains out (is 'lost'), leaving a hollow clay mold. Molten bronze is then poured in to create the final metal statue.
With reference to the 'Dancing Girl' artefact of the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements: 1. It is a bronze figurine discovered at the site of Mohenjo-daro. 2. It was crafted using the lost-wax casting technique (cire perdue). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The 'Dancing Girl' figurine of the Harappan civilization is currently housed in which of the following institutions?
The alteration of historical artifacts in educational material raises questions about pedagogical philosophy. Discuss the importance of preserving historical authenticity in curriculum design.
Connects to History & Culture (GS Paper 1): Indus Valley Civilization, Ancient Indian Art and Architecture, Metallurgy in Ancient India. References Nitin Singhania's chapter on Harappan Art.
Expected interview inquiries focusing on administrative neutrality, policy implications, and practical field limits.
Critical syllabus indicator for upcoming cycles: A famous 4,500-year-old bronze statue from ancient India, known as the Dancing Girl, is naked. Recently, a school textbook printed a picture of it with fake clothes drawn on, causing outrage among historians. The education board has now agreed to print the real, original picture instead.