NCERT Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India Knowledge Traditions Practices of India: Chapter 3 — Performing Art Traditions in India
This chapter, "Performing Art Traditions in India," from NCERT Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India, explores the fundamental role of arts in human life and expression. It traces the origins of performing arts, including vocal music, instrumental music, dance, and theatre, back to prehistoric times and ancient Indian civilization, as noted by Vātsyāyana. The text distinguishes between folk and classical performing arts, highlighting the latter's evolved structure with established rules. Indian music, or Bhāratīya Sangi-ta, is presented as a rich tradition encompassing classical, regional, and folk forms, with its core elements being Gi-ta (vocal), Vādya (instrumental), and Nṛtya (dance). The chapter outlines the evolution of Indian music through three periods: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern, detailing the Ancient Period's roots in Vedic hymns and the development of Svaras (notes) from Vedic chants.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Knowledge Traditions Practices of India |
| Book | Knowledge Traditions Practices of India |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — Performing Art Traditions in India |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 452 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the significance of performing arts in human expression and culture.
- Differentiate between folk and classical performing arts.
- Trace the historical evolution of Indian music through different periods.
- Identify the basic components and early development of Indian music, including Vedic chants and Svaras.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Vātsyāyana | Ancient Indian scholar who described sixty-four arts. |
| Gi-ta | Vocal music. |
| Vādya | Instrumental music. |
| Nṛtya | Dance. |
| Sangi-ta Ratnākara | A significant medieval Indian treatise on music and dance. |
| Pt. Ahobal | A musicologist who wrote Saṅgi-ta Pārijāta. |
| Saṅgi-ta Pārijāta | A classical Indian text on music. |
| Vedic hymns | Sacred chants from the Vedas, often set to tune and rhythm. |
| Ṛcās | Rhythmic recitations of the Ṛgveda. |
| Sāmaveda | Veda containing selected Ṛcās set to Svaras. |
| Svaras | Musical notes. |
| Pāṇini-ya Śikṣā | An ancient Indian text on phonetics and prosody, relevant to music. |
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Practice questions
- According to Vātsyāyana, what are the first four performing arts listed? Answer: Vocal music, instrumental music, dance, and theatre.
- What are the three art forms that comprise music in India, as referred to in Sangi-ta Ratnākara? Answer: Gi-ta (vocal music), Vādya (instrumental music), and Nṛtya (dance).
- Name the three main periods into which the development of Indian music is classified. Answer: Ancient Period, Medieval Period, and Modern Period.
- What is Sāmaveda known for in relation to Vedic hymns? Answer: Sāmaveda is a compilation of selected Ṛcās (Vedic hymns) set to Svaras (musical notes) and Chanda (rhythmic meters).
- Which three Vedic Svaras were initially used in Sāmagāna? Answer: Udātta (sharp pitch), Anudātta (grave pitch), and Svarita (combined pitch).
Practice MCQs
Q1. Who described sixty-four arts, including vocal music, instrumental music, dance, and theatre as the first four?
Explanation: Vātsyāyana, an ancient Indian scholar, listed sixty-four arts and specifically mentioned vocal music, instrumental music, dance, and theatre as the first four.
Q2. The text 'Sangi-ta Ratnākara' defines music as comprising which three elements?
Explanation: According to Sangi-ta Ratnākara, music (Sangeet) is composed of Gi-ta (vocal music), Vādya (instrumental music), and Nṛtya (dance).
Q3. Which period of Indian music history is also known as the Vedic period?
Explanation: The Ancient Period of Indian music, spanning from 2500 B.C. to A.D. 1200, is also referred to as the Vedic period due to its origins in Vedic hymns.
Q4. In Sāmagāna, which Svara represented a sharp pitch?
Explanation: Udātta was the term used for a sharp pitch in the Vedic Svaras used in Sāmagāna.
Q5. According to Pāṇini-ya Śikṣā, which two Svaras arise from Udātta?
Explanation: Pāṇini-ya Śikṣā states that Niṣāda (Ni) and Gāndhāra (Ga) arise from the Udātta pitch.
Frequently asked questions
What is the basic definition of performing arts?
Performing arts are artistic expressions conveyed to an audience through a performer's voice, body gestures, or sound objects/musical instruments.
What distinguishes classical performing arts from folk performing arts?
Classical performing arts are practiced in a specialized manner with evolved traditions, laid-down rules, and regulations, whereas folk arts are typically performed by common people in everyday life.
What are the three main periods in the development of Indian music?
The three main periods are the Ancient Period (2500 B.C. – A.D. 1200), the Medieval Period, and the Modern Period.
What is the significance of Sāmaveda in the context of Indian music's origins?
Sāmaveda is important because it compiles selected Vedic hymns (Ṛcās) and sets them to Svaras (musical notes) and Chanda (rhythmic meters), forming an early basis for Indian music.
According to Pāṇini-ya Śikṣā, how did the seven musical notes (Svaras) evolve?
The seven notes evolved from the three Vedic Svaras (Udātta, Anudātta, Svarita), with Pāṇini-ya Śikṣā detailing which notes (Ni, Ga, Re, Dha, Sa, Ma, Pa) originated from each.
What does 'Bhārati-ya Sangi-ta' refer to?
'Bhārati-ya Sangi-ta' refers to Indian music, encompassing its rich treasure of classical, regional, and folk forms.
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NCERT Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India — Knowledge Traditions Practices of India — Chapter 3 — Performing Art Traditions in India. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.