NCERT Class 6 Arts Kriti-I: Chapter 13 — Breaking Barriers with Dance
This chapter, "Breaking Barriers with Dance," from NCERT Class 6 Arts Kriti-I, explores how dance forms have evolved and transcended traditional barriers. It highlights the influence of the Bhakti movement, starting around the 6th-7th century CE, on the development of regional classical dances. The text explains how dancers became integral to temple rituals, citing examples like the Devadasis and Maharis of Southern India and Odisha, and the Sattaras of Assam. It also discusses how dance characters are sometimes performed by a single dancer regardless of gender, with men often portraying female roles in traditional performances. The chapter introduces specific dance forms like Gotipua from Odisha, where young boys dress as girls and perform acrobatic dances, and Purulia Chhau from West Bengal, originally performed only by males. It emphasizes the diversity of folk dances (lok nrityas) with their unique postures, gestures, costumes, and music, showcasing how dance has been a powerful medium for storytelling, moral values, and devotion, breaking down societal and gender barriers.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti-I |
| Chapter | Chapter 13 — Breaking Barriers with Dance |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 176 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the influence of the Bhakti movement on classical dance forms.
- Identify examples of dance forms where gender roles are transcended.
- Recognize the ritualistic role of dance in temples and religious practices.
- Appreciate the diversity of folk dances and their unique characteristics.
- Learn about specific dance forms like Gotipua and Purulia Chhau.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bhakti movements | Religious movements emphasizing devotion to a particular deity. |
| Tandava | A vigorous dance associated with Lord Shiva. |
| Devadasis | Temple dancers in South India dedicated to the service of a deity. |
| Maharis | Temple dancers in Odisha. |
| Gotipua | A traditional Odia dance form where young boys dress as girls. |
| Chhau | A semi-classical Indian dance with martial, tribal, and folk elements. |
| Lok nrityas | Folk dances. |
| Acrobatic | Performing spectacular gymnastic feats. |
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Practice questions
- What was the influence of the Bhakti movement on dance? Answer: The Bhakti movement influenced the development of regional classical dance forms and integrated dancers into temple rituals.
- Name two traditional dance forms mentioned where men often play women characters. Answer: Gotipua dance and Purulia Chhau are mentioned where men (or young boys) often play female characters.
- What is the significance of Maharis and Devadasis in dance history? Answer: They were temple dancers who performed ritualistic dances in praise of deities.
- Describe the Gotipua dance form. Answer: Gotipua is an Odia dance form where young boys dress as girls and perform dances with acrobatic movements.
Practice MCQs
Q1. The Bhakti movement started around which century?
Explanation: The text states that the Bhakti movement started around the sixth or seventh century CE.
Q2. Which dance form involves young boys dressing up as girls and performing acrobatic movements?
Explanation: The Gotipua dance, originating in Odisha, is described as a form where young boys dress as girls and perform dances with acrobatic movements.
Q3. The Maharis were temple dancers from which region?
Explanation: The text mentions the Maharis of Odisha as dancers who performed ritualistic dances inside the temple.
Q4. Purulia Chhau was originally performed by:
Explanation: The text explicitly states that Purulia Chhau from West Bengal was originally performed only by males.
Q5. What does the chapter suggest about gender in traditional dance performances?
Explanation: The chapter notes that in many traditional performances, men often play the women characters, irrespective of gender.
Frequently asked questions
How did the Bhakti movement impact dance?
The Bhakti movement, starting around the 6th-7th century CE, influenced the development of regional classical dance forms and integrated dancers into temple rituals.
What is unique about the Gotipua dance?
In Gotipua dance from Odisha, young boys dress up as girls and perform dances combined with acrobatic movements.
Which dance form from West Bengal was traditionally performed only by males?
Purulia Chhau from West Bengal was originally performed only by males.
What role did dancers play in temples during the Bhakti period?
Dancers became part of the pooja rituals inside the temple, performing in praise of deities.
Can a single dancer perform characters of different genders in traditional Indian dance?
Yes, in many traditional performances, characters are sometimes performed by a single dancer irrespective of their gender, with men often playing women's roles.
What are 'lok nrityas'?
'Lok nrityas' refers to folk dances, which are performed with unique postures, gestures, costumes, and music.
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NCERT Class 6 Arts — Kriti-I — Chapter 13 — Breaking Barriers with Dance. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 10 Aug 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.