NCERT Class 5 Arts Bansuri: Chapter 14 — Responding to Music
This chapter, "Responding to Music," from NCERT Class 5 Arts Bansuri, introduces students to the concept of expressing themselves through music. Activity 14.1 encourages students to listen to music with their eyes closed and allow their bodies to respond naturally, exploring movements like swaying or tapping. It highlights that everyone, including children and animals, can appreciate and react to music. The chapter also includes a story, "The Monkey and the Crocodile" from the Panchatantra, as part of Activity 14.2. This activity prompts students to identify emotions in the story and select appropriate music to accompany different parts, fostering creativity and an understanding of how music enhances narratives. The chapter aims to develop students' emotional expression and creative engagement with music.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Bansuri |
| Chapter | Chapter 14 — Responding to Music |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 457 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand how music evokes physical and emotional responses.
- Explore personal ways of responding to different types of music.
- Identify emotions within a narrative.
- Select and use music to enhance storytelling.
- Develop creative expression through music and movement.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Intently | With earnest and eager attention. |
| Naturally | In a way that is expected or normal; without effort. |
| Respond | To say or do something as a reaction to something else. |
| Rhythm | A strong, regular repeated pattern of movement or sound. |
| Melody | A sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying; a tune. |
| Emotions | Strong feelings such as happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. |
| Jealous | Feeling or showing envy of someone or their achievements and possessions. |
| Tricked | Deceived or outsmarted. |
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Practice questions
- What does the chapter suggest you do when listening to music with your eyes closed? Answer: Let your body naturally respond to the music, moving as you feel inclined.
- Name two ways people naturally respond to music mentioned in the text. Answer: Tapping feet, nodding to the rhythm, swaying to the melody, or moving fingers.
- What was the monkey's clever trick to escape the crocodile? Answer: The monkey pretended he had left his heart in the tree and asked to go back for it.
- According to the story, why did the crocodile's wife want the monkey's heart? Answer: She tasted the sweet fruits and thought the monkey's heart must be even better.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main goal of Activity 14.1 in NCERT Class 5 Arts?
The goal is to encourage students to listen to music and respond physically and emotionally without self-consciousness.
What is the story used in Activity 14.2?
The story is 'The Monkey and the Crocodile' from the Panchatantra.
What does the Sanskrit quote 'Shishurvetti pashurvetti, vetti gaana rasam phanihi' mean?
It means that a child, an animal, and a snake can all respond to and appreciate music.
How can music be used with a story, according to Activity 14.2?
Students can choose music that matches the emotions and events in different parts of a story to enhance its presentation.
What kind of music is recommended for Activity 14.1?
Instrumental music of about 3-4 minutes in length is recommended.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 Arts — Bansuri — Chapter 14 — Responding to Music. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.