NCERT Class 3 Arts Bansuri - I (Sanskrit): Chapter 12 — आनन्दाय नृत्यतु
This chapter, 'आनन्दाय नृत्यतु' (Dance for Joy) from NCERT's Bansuri - I for Class 3 Arts, introduces the concept of dance as a form of self-expression using the entire body to narrate a story without words. It emphasizes how daily activities can be artistically represented through dance, encouraging new ideas and movements. The chapter includes an activity to explore body parts, highlighting how breathing and movement energize the body, akin to music in dance. It categorizes body parts into 'बृहन्ति शरीराङ्गानि' (large body parts) like head, arms, legs, and waist, and 'लघूनि शरीराङ्गानि' (small body parts) such as shoulders, eyes, nose, fingers, and toes. Students are encouraged to use these body parts to depict their daily routines through movement and dance, fostering creativity and physical awareness.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 3 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Bansuri - I (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 12 — आनन्दाय नृत्यतु |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 160 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand dance as a form of storytelling and self-expression.
- Identify and differentiate between large and small body parts.
- Explore the use of body movements to represent daily activities.
- Appreciate the connection between breathing, movement, and energy in dance.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| नृत्यतु | Dance |
| शरीरस्य | Of the body |
| अङ्गानि | Limbs/Parts |
| श्वसितुम् | To breathe |
| गतिं | Movement |
| कलात्मकरूपेण | Artistically |
| बृहन्ति | Large |
| लघूनि | Small |
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Practice questions
- नृत्यस्य अर्थः कः? Answer: नृत्यस्य अर्थः स्वस्य सम्पूर्णशरीरस्य उपयोगं कृत्वा कस्याश्चित् कथायाः निर्माणमिति।
- शरीरस्य बृहन्ति अङ्गानि कानि? Answer: शिरः, बाहू, पादौ, कटिश्च बृहन्ति अङ्गानि।
- शरीरस्य लघूनि अङ्गानि कानि? Answer: स्कन्धः, नेत्रम्, नासिका, अङ्गुलयश्च लघूनि अङ्गानि।
- श्वसनं नृत्ये कस्य इव अस्ति? Answer: अस्माकं श्वासः अस्माकं नृत्ये सङ्गीतवत् अस्ति।
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of dance according to the chapter?
Dance means creating a story using the entire body without words, and exploring ways for self-expression.
How does breathing relate to dance in this chapter?
Breathing is described as being like music in dance, and practicing breathing exercises helps in moving the body to a rhythm.
What are the two categories of body parts mentioned?
The chapter mentions 'बृहन्ति शरीराङ्गानि' (large body parts) and 'लघूनि शरीराङ्गानि' (small body parts).
Can you give examples of large body parts?
Examples of large body parts include the head, arms, legs, and waist.
Can you give examples of small body parts?
Examples of small body parts include shoulders, eyes, nose, and fingers.
What is the purpose of the activity 'Know my body parts'?
The activity aims to explore the body's parts and discover various ways of expression through them.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 3 Arts — Bansuri - I (Sanskrit) — Chapter 12 — आनन्दाय नृत्यतु. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.