NCERT Class 4 Arts Bansuri: Chapter 11 — Songs and Stories
This chapter, 'Songs and Stories,' from the NCERT Class 4 Arts Bansuri textbook, introduces students to the diverse world of music genres. It explains that a music genre is a category grouping music by shared characteristics, sounds, or patterns. The chapter categorizes music into four main types: Folk music (Lok sangeet), Classical music (Hindustani and Carnatic), Other traditional forms (like Devotional music, Rabindra Sangeet), and Popular or creative music (Film songs, pop songs). It highlights how music tells stories, evokes emotions, and celebrates traditions, often featuring special songs for festivals and events across different cultures and regions. The chapter encourages students to identify music genres and understand the role of music in life.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Bansuri |
| Chapter | Chapter 11 — Songs and Stories |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 287 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of music genres.
- Identify and differentiate between major music categories (Folk, Classical, Traditional, Popular).
- Recognize the role of music in storytelling and expressing emotions.
- Appreciate music's connection to festivals and cultural traditions.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Genre | A category that groups music based on shared characteristics, sounds, or patterns. |
| Folk music | Music originating from the common people of a region or country. |
| Classical music | Music characterized by its formal structure, complexity, and tradition (e.g., Hindustani, Carnatic). |
| Traditional forms | Music that belongs to established customs or practices, often passed down through generations. |
| Popular music | Music that is widely liked and enjoyed by many people, often commercially produced. |
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Practice questions
- What is a music genre? Answer: A music genre is a category that groups music based on shared characteristics, sounds, or patterns.
- Name the four major categories of music mentioned in the chapter. Answer: The four major categories are Folk music, Classical music, Other traditional forms, and Popular or creative music.
- Give an example of a traditional form of music. Answer: Examples include Devotional music and Rabindra Sangeet.
- How does music connect with festivals and events? Answer: Music often features special songs for festivals and special events, celebrating traditions and times of the year.
Frequently asked questions
What is a music genre?
A music genre is a category used to group music based on its shared characteristics, sounds, or patterns.
What are the four main categories of music discussed in the chapter?
The chapter categorizes music into Folk music, Classical music, Other traditional forms, and Popular or creative music.
Can you give an example of Hindustani classical music?
Raga Bhupali by Hariprasad Chaurasia is mentioned as an example of classical music.
What is Rabindra Sangeet?
Rabindra Sangeet is mentioned as an example of 'Other traditional forms' of music.
How does music relate to stories and emotions?
Music tells stories, makes us feel emotions, and celebrates traditions.
Why is music important for festivals?
Many cultures have special songs for festivals and events, which music helps to celebrate.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 4 Arts — Bansuri — Chapter 11 — Songs and Stories. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.