NCERT Class 5 Arts Bansuri: Chapter 4 — IMAGINARY BEINGS
NCERT Class 5 Arts Bansuri Chapter 4, 'Imaginary Beings,' explores the concept of creating creatures that do not exist in reality, often by combining parts of different living beings, as seen in Indian art. The chapter highlights how imagination, coupled with hard work and persistence, can lead to inventions that mimic natural abilities, like the aeroplane inspired by birds. It introduces the Navagunjara, an imaginary being composed of nine different animal parts, standing on three legs with a human hand holding a flower. Students are encouraged to visualize and create their own imaginary beings, fostering artistic expression and understanding the symbolic representations in art. The chapter includes an activity to identify the animal parts of the Navagunjara, promoting observation and learning about mythological figures.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Bansuri |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — IMAGINARY BEINGS |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 231 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of imaginary beings in art.
- Recognize how imagination can lead to inventions.
- Identify and describe the components of mythological creatures like Navagunjara.
- Develop artistic skills by visualizing and creating imaginary beings.
- Appreciate the symbolic representations in Indian art.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Imaginary | Existing only in the imagination; not real. |
| Visualize | Form a mental image of; imagine. |
| Persistence | Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. |
| Dedication | The quality of being committed to a task or purpose. |
| Invention | The action of inventing something, typically a process or device. |
| Symbolic | Serving as a symbol; representative. |
| Representation | The description or portrayal of someone or something in a particular way. |
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Practice questions
- What does the chapter say about imaginary beings in Indian art? Answer: In Indian art, imaginary beings are often made up of parts from many different living beings, with multiple narratives built around them.
- How does our imagination help us create new things? Answer: Our imagination gives us the power to visualize things that have never been created, and through hard work, these imaginations can take shape as inventions.
- What is Navagunjara described as? Answer: Navagunjara is an imaginary being made of parts from nine different beings, standing on three legs and holding a flower with one human hand.
- Can you name three animal parts that might make up an imaginary being? Answer: Answers will vary, but could include parts like a lion's mane, an elephant's trunk, a bird's wings, etc.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of NCERT Class 5 Arts Bansuri Chapter 4?
The chapter focuses on 'Imaginary Beings,' exploring how artists create creatures not found in reality, often by combining parts of different animals, and how imagination fuels invention.
What is Navagunjara?
Navagunjara is a mythical creature depicted in Indian art, composed of parts from nine different animals, symbolizing the power of imagination and divine forms.
How does the chapter relate imagination to invention?
It explains that our ability to imagine things that don't exist, like flying like birds, can lead to real-world inventions such as the aeroplane.
What activity is included in the chapter?
The chapter includes an activity where students are asked to identify and fill in the names of the nine animal parts that make up the Navagunjara.
Why are imaginary beings important in art?
Imaginary beings allow artists to express complex ideas, tell stories, and explore symbolic meanings that might not be possible with realistic depictions.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 Arts — Bansuri — Chapter 4 — IMAGINARY BEINGS. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.