The ‘Dancing Girl’, a captivating bronze sculpture, stands as a remarkable testament to the artistic prowess of the Indus Valley Civilization. Unearthed from Mohenjo-daro, this artifact, dating back to approximately 2500 BCE, offers a fascinating glimpse into the sophisticated artistry prevalent during the Harappan era. Currently housed in the Indus Valley Civilization gallery at the National Museum, New Delhi, this 10.5 cm tall, 5 cm wide, and 2.5 cm deep sculpture continues to intrigue historians and art enthusiasts alike.
Unearthing History: The Discovery of an Ancient Civilization
The significance of the Harappan Civilization’s excavation sites was initially overlooked, with early discoveries often dismissed as historically insignificant. It was not until the 1920s, with the dedicated efforts of Daya Ram Sahni and R.D. Banerji at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, that the true importance of these sites began to emerge. The formal recognition of the Indus or Harappan Civilization came in 1924, announced by John Marshall, the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India at the time. Interestingly, the diverse range of stones used in sculptures from this period suggests a deliberate selection based on aesthetic appeal rather than mere availability.
Artistic Brilliance Embodied in Bronze
This petite yet extraordinary statue provides invaluable insight into the artistic capabilities of the Indus Valley artisans. Named ‘Dancing Girl’ due to her suggestive posture – right hand resting on her hip and left hand gracefully placed on her thigh – the sculpture showcases refined artistry. Her facial features are distinct, characterized by large eyes, a flat nose, and curly hair. She is depicted wearing a necklace and a collection of bangles, with her hair neatly plaited and styled into a bun at the back. A notable stylistic characteristic of Indus Valley artifacts, including this dancing girl, is the elongated arms. Her head is subtly tilted backward, adding to the dynamism of the pose. A curious detail is the varying number of bangles on her arms – 24 on one and 4 on the other.
The ‘Dancing Girl’ bronze sculpture was crafted using the sophisticated ‘Lost Wax’ method. This technique involved creating a wax model, which was then encased in a clay mold, ensuring passageways were left open. Upon heating, the wax melted away, leaving a hollow mold into which molten bronze was poured. Once cooled, the clay mold was carefully removed to reveal the solid bronze statue, which was then refined with finishing touches. This method highlights the advanced metallurgical skills present in the Indus Valley Civilization.
Indus Valley Style: A Legacy in Art
Representing the Indus Valley Civilization style, the ‘Dancing Girl’ is more than just a sculpture; it is a window into an ancient world. Her captivating form and the intricate details reflect the artistic sensibilities and technical expertise of her creators. As an iconic artifact from Mohenjo-daro, the ‘Dancing Girl’ continues to fascinate and educate, embodying the rich cultural heritage of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Source: National Museum, New Delhi
Type: Sculpture
Received From: National Museum, New Delhi
