NCERT Class 4 Arts Bansuri - I (Sanskrit): Chapter 11 — गीतानि कथाः च
This chapter, "गीतानि कथाः च" (Songs and Stories) from NCERT Class 4 Arts Bansuri - I, explores the diverse world of music. It introduces various forms of music like Hindustani classical, Baul, Bollywood film songs, and Hip-Hop, highlighting their distinct characteristics in terms of style, rhythm, origin, instruments, and purpose. The chapter categorizes music into four main types: Folk Music, Classical Music (Hindustani and Carnatic), Other Traditional Forms (Bhakti Geet, Rabindra Sangeet, Sub-classical music), and Popular Creative Music (film songs, pop songs). It emphasizes that music communicates emotions, celebrates traditions, and marks festivals and specific times of the year across different cultures and languages. The chapter encourages students to identify music genres they have heard and their unique features, fostering an appreciation for the cultural significance of music.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Bansuri - I (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 11 — गीतानि कथाः च |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 207 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify and differentiate various forms of music.
- Understand the classification of music into folk, classical, traditional, and popular categories.
- Recognize the role of music in expressing emotions and celebrating traditions.
- Appreciate the cultural diversity reflected in music across different regions and festivals.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| शास्त्रीय-सङ्गीतम् | Classical music |
| बाउल-गीतम् | Baul song |
| बॉलीवुड-चलच्चित्र-गीतानि | Bollywood film songs |
| हिप-हाप | Hip-hop |
| शैली | Style |
| लय | Rhythm |
| उत्पत्तिस्थान | Place of origin |
| वाद्ययन्त्र | Musical instrument |
| सङ्गीत-विधा | Music genre/category |
| लोकसङ्गीतम् | Folk music |
| पारम्परिकरूपाणि | Traditional forms |
| लोकप्रियं | Popular |
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Practice questions
- सङ्गीतस्य चतुर्षु प्रमुखेषु श्रेणीषु कानि सन्ति? Answer: लोकसङ्गीतम्, शास्त्रीयसङ्गीतम्, अन्यानि पारम्परिकरूपाणि, लोकप्रियं सृजनात्मकं सङ्गीतम्।
- शास्त्रीयसङ्गीतस्य द्वे रूपे कानि? Answer: हिन्दुस्तानी तथा कर्णाटकम्।
- सङ्गीतं किं किं करोति? Answer: सङ्गीतं कथाः कथयति, अस्माकं मनसि भावनाः जनयति तथा च परम्पराणां उत्सवम् ऐतिह्यं च आचरति।
- चलच्चित्रस्य गीतानि कस्यां श्रेण्यां अन्तर्भवन्ति? Answer: लोकप्रियं सृजनात्मकं सङ्गीतम्।
Frequently asked questions
What are the main categories of music discussed in the chapter?
The chapter categorizes music into Folk Music, Classical Music (Hindustani and Carnatic), Other Traditional Forms, and Popular Creative Music.
What are some examples of traditional music forms mentioned?
Examples include Bhakti Geet, Rabindra Sangeet, and Sub-classical music.
What is the purpose of music according to the chapter?
Music tells stories, generates emotions, and celebrates traditions and heritage.
What are the distinct characteristics of different music types?
Different music types have distinct styles, rhythms, origins, instruments, and purposes.
What activity is suggested for students in the chapter?
Students are encouraged to listen to various music genres online and identify which categories they belong to.
How does music relate to festivals?
Many cultures have specific songs for festivals, special events, and particular times of the year.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 4 Arts — Bansuri - I (Sanskrit) — Chapter 11 — गीतानि कथाः च. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.