NCERT Class 6 Arts Kriti-I (Hindi): Chapter 18 — 'कंपनी थिएटर' में
This chapter introduces the concept of 'Company Theatre' in India, a form of professional theatre prevalent in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. It explains that 'Company Theatre' refers to a group of artists who perform daily for their livelihood, living, eating, and traveling together. The chapter details the diverse roles within these companies, including makeup artists, costume designers, stage designers, painters, technicians, actors, dancers, singers, writers, cooks, managers, and accountants, often involving entire families. It highlights the 'Parsi Theatre Companies' from Mumbai as one of the earliest and most influential, performing across India from 1850 to the 1930s. The chapter also mentions 'Surabhi Theatre' or Shri Venkateswara Natya Mandali from Andhra Pradesh, established in 1885, which continues to perform stories based on Hindu tradition and history. This chapter provides a glimpse into a nearly extinct but fascinating aspect of Indian performing arts, crucial for understanding the evolution of theatre in the country.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti-I (Hindi) |
| Chapter | Chapter 18 — 'कंपनी थिएटर' में |
| Language | Hindi |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 455 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept and historical context of 'Company Theatre' in India.
- Identify the various roles and members within a 'Company Theatre' group.
- Learn about influential 'Company Theatre' companies like Parsi Theatre and Surabhi Theatre.
- Appreciate the evolution and near-extinction of this theatrical form.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| आजीविका | Livelihood |
| वेश-भूषा | Costume / Attire |
| रूप-सज्जा | Makeup |
| प्रस्तुतियाँ | Performances |
| व्यावसायिक | Professional |
| आत्मनिर्भर | Self-reliant |
| अभिकल्पक | Designer |
| मंडलियाँ | Troupe / Company |
| विस्तृत | Expanded / Spread |
| निरंतर | Continuous |
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Practice questions
- 'कंपनी रंगमंच' से आप क्या समझते हैं? Answer: 'कंपनी रंगमंच' कलाकारों के ऐसे व्यावसायिक समूह को कहते हैं जो प्रतिदिन नाट्य प्रस्तुतियाँ करते हैं और उसी के सहारे अपनी आजीविका चलाते हैं।
- 'कंपनी थिएटर' में कौन-कौन से सदस्य सम्मिलित होते थे? Answer: मुख सज्जा करने वाला, वस्त्र की सिलाई करने वाला, मंच अभिकल्पक, चित्रकार, प्रकाश तकनीशियन, अभिनेता, नर्तक, गायक, लेखक, रसोइया, प्रबंधक और लेखपाल जैसे सदस्य सम्मिलित होते थे।
- भारत की पहली 'कंपनी थिएटर' मंडली कौन सी थी और कहाँ स्थित थी? Answer: भारत की पहली 'कंपनी थिएटर' मंडली महाराष्ट्र के मुंबई में स्थित 'पारसी थिएटर कंपनीज' थीं।
- 'पारसी नाटक मंडली' ने अपना पहला नाटक कब और कौन सा प्रदर्शित किया? Answer: 1853 में 'पारसी नाटक मंडली' ने अपना पहला नाटक 'रुस्तम जबीली और सोहराब' प्रदर्शित किया।
- 'सुरिभ थिएटर' या श्री वेंकटेश्वर नाट्य मंडली किस पर आधारित कहानियों का मंचन करती है? Answer: यह हिंदू परंपरा और इतिहास पर आधारित कहानियों का मंचन करती है।
Frequently asked questions
What is 'Company Theatre'?
'Company Theatre' refers to professional theatre companies where artists perform daily for their livelihood, living, eating, and traveling together.
When was 'Company Theatre' prevalent in India?
'Company Theatre' was prevalent in India during the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.
Which were some of the earliest 'Company Theatre' troupes in India?
The 'Parsi Theatre Companies' based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, were among the earliest and most influential.
When did the first Parsi theatre company perform its first play?
The first Parsi theatre company performed its first play, 'Rustam Zabiili aur Sohrab', in 1853.
What kind of stories does Surabhi Theatre perform?
Surabhi Theatre performs stories based on Hindu tradition and history.
What are the key features of Parsi Theatre performances mentioned?
Key features include astonishing visual effects, use of V.F.X., and creation of magical worlds.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 6 Arts — Kriti-I (Hindi) — Chapter 18 — 'कंपनी थिएटर' में. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.