NCERT Class 6 Arts Kriti-I: Chapter 14 — Harmony in Motion
This chapter, "Harmony in Motion," explores the rich tapestry of traditional Indian dances, emphasizing their deep roots in the country's diverse cultural heritage. It highlights that these dances are more than just movements; they convey stories, emotions, and spirituality. The text distinguishes between classical (shastriya) and folk (loka) dances, noting the unique fragrances spread by the variety of dances across different regions. It mentions the importance of instruments, costumes, languages, and cultural beliefs in these performances, which uplift the nation and reinforce societal and moral integrity. Students are encouraged to preserve and protect this heritage, discussing costumes, props, and even attempting to create them. Examples like Assam's Bihu and Gujarat's Sidi Dhamal are used to illustrate regional dance forms and their associated instruments. The chapter concludes by stating that all Indian dances are rooted in cultural heritage, encompassing movement, rhythm, music, costume, props, make-up, and stage presentation, preparing students for performance.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti-I |
| Chapter | Chapter 14 — Harmony in Motion |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 268 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the cultural significance of traditional Indian dances.
- Differentiate between classical and folk dance forms.
- Identify key elements of a dance performance, including costumes and props.
- Appreciate the role of dance in preserving cultural heritage.
- Recognize regional variations in dance forms and instruments.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tapestry | A complex combination of things; a rich variety. |
| Shastriya nritya | Classical dance. |
| Loka nritya | Folk dance. |
| Uplift | To raise someone's spirits or mood. |
| Reinforce | To strengthen or support. |
| Props | Objects used by actors on stage or in a performance. |
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Practice questions
- What are the two main categories of traditional Indian dance mentioned in the chapter? Answer: Shastriya nritya (classical dance) and loka nritya (folk dance).
- Name two traditional dances and their associated regions mentioned in the chapter. Answer: Bihu from Assam and Sidi Dhamal from Gujarat.
- Besides movement and music, what other elements are included in a dance performance? Answer: Costume, prop, make-up, and stage presentation.
- Why is it important to preserve our rich cultural heritage of dance? Answer: Because traditional dances convey stories, emotions, spirituality, uplift the nation, and reinforce societal and moral integrity.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an element of a traditional dance performance?
Explanation: The chapter lists movement, rhythm, music, costume, prop, make-up, and stage presentation as elements of dance, but not technology.
Q2. The chapter states that traditional dances convey stories, emotions, and what else?
Explanation: The text explicitly mentions that dances convey stories, emotions, and spirituality.
Q3. What instrument is mentioned for the Bihu dance of Assam?
Explanation: The chapter mentions that Bihu of Assam uses an instrument called dhol.
Q4. Sidi Dhamal dance is from which state?
Explanation: The text identifies Sidi Dhamal dance as being from Gujarat.
Q5. What does the chapter encourage students to do regarding their cultural heritage of dance?
Explanation: The chapter explicitly states it is the responsibility of students to preserve and protect the rich cultural heritage of dance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of NCERT Class 6 Arts Chapter 14, 'Harmony in Motion'?
The chapter focuses on the rich cultural heritage of traditional Indian dances, their elements, and the importance of preserving them.
What are the two types of traditional dances mentioned?
The chapter mentions shastriya nritya (classical dance) and loka nritya (folk dance).
What examples of regional dances are given?
Examples include Bihu from Assam and Sidi Dhamal from Gujarat.
What are some of the elements that make up a dance performance according to the chapter?
Elements include movement, rhythm, music, costume, props, make-up, and stage presentation.
Why are traditional dances important for India's culture?
They convey stories, emotions, and spirituality, uplift the nation, and reinforce societal and moral integrity.
What are students encouraged to do with their regional dance and music?
They are encouraged to choose a traditional dance and song from their region and dance to the rhythm with local instruments.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 6 Arts — Kriti-I — Chapter 14 — Harmony in Motion. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 10 Aug 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.