NCERT Class 4 Arts Bansuri: Chapter 10 — Making Music
This chapter, "Making Music," introduces students to the rich tradition of Indian classical music. It explains that this ancient art form originated from the Vedas and evolved into two primary styles: Carnatic (South Indian) and Hindustani (North Indian). The chapter highlights the importance of the oral tradition, where students learn directly from a guru over many years. It defines key concepts like Raga, which is a melodic framework based on specific notes (swaras), and its ascending (Arohana/Aroh) and descending (Avarohana/Avroh) scales. The chapter also explains Tala or Taal as the rhythmic cycle used to measure time, providing a steady pattern throughout a musical piece. Understanding these elements is crucial for learning Indian classical compositions. This chapter aims to provide a foundational understanding of Indian classical music for Class 4 students.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Bansuri |
| Chapter | Chapter 10 — Making Music |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 203 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the ancient origins of Indian classical music.
- Identify the two main styles of Indian classical music: Carnatic and Hindustani.
- Define Raga and its components (Arohana/Avarohana).
- Define Tala/Taal and its role in rhythm.
- Appreciate the oral tradition in learning classical music.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Vedas | Ancient scriptures considered the source of Indian classical music. |
| Carnatic Music | South Indian classical music style. |
| Hindustani Music | North Indian classical music style. |
| Oral tradition | Knowledge passed down through speaking and listening, not writing. |
| Shishya | A student in the traditional Indian learning system. |
| Guru | A teacher or spiritual guide. |
| Raga | A melodic framework in Indian classical music based on a set of notes. |
| Swaras | Notes in Indian classical music. |
| Arohana/Aroh | The ascending scale of a raga. |
| Avarohana/Avroh | The descending scale of a raga. |
| Tala/Taal | A rhythmic cycle used to measure time in Indian classical music. |
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Practice questions
- From where did Indian classical music originate? Answer: Indian classical music originated from the Vedas.
- Name the two main styles of Indian classical music. Answer: The two main styles are Carnatic and Hindustani music.
- What is a Raga? Answer: A Raga is a melodic form in Indian Classical Music based on a set of notes (swaras).
- What is the ascending scale of a raga called? Answer: The ascending scale is called Arohana or Aroh.
- What is Tala or Taal? Answer: Tala or Taal is a rhythm cycle used to measure time in Indian Classical Music.
Frequently asked questions
What is the origin of Indian classical music?
Indian classical music is an ancient tradition that started from the Vedas.
What are the two main styles of Indian classical music?
The two main styles are Carnatic (South Indian) and Hindustani (North Indian) classical music.
How is Indian classical music traditionally taught?
It is generally passed down through an oral tradition where students (shishya) learn from their guru over many years.
What is a Raga in Indian classical music?
A Raga is a melodic form based on a set of notes (swaras) that forms the basis of a composition.
What is the difference between Arohana and Avarohana?
Arohana (or Aroh) is the sequence of swaras going up (ascending scale), while Avarohana (or Avroh) is the sequence of swaras coming down (descending scale).
What is the function of Tala or Taal?
Tala or Taal is a rhythm cycle used to measure time and provides a steady pattern of rhythm throughout a piece of music.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 4 Arts — Bansuri — Chapter 10 — Making Music. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.