NCERT Class 6 Arts Kriti-I (Sanskrit): Chapter 13 — नृ्तयेन वैषम्यानाम् अपनयनम्
This chapter, 'नृ्तयेन वैषम्यानाम् अपनयनम्' (Overcoming Inequalities through Dance) from NCERT Class 6 Arts Kriti-I, explores how dance forms have historically addressed and transcended social disparities, particularly gender. It highlights the Bhakti movement's influence from the 6th-7th centuries, which led to the development of various classical dance forms. The text details how dancers, including male performers playing female roles, were integral to temple rituals. Specific examples like the Gotipua dance of Odisha, where young boys dress as girls, and the Mahari tradition serving Lord Jagannath, are discussed. The chapter also touches upon Maharashtra's Lavani and West Bengal's Chhau dances, emphasizing the diverse physical expressions, costumes, and music used. It concludes by showcasing how dance acts as a medium for cultural expression and unity, fostering moral values and accessible devotion.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti-I (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 13 — नृ्तयेन वैषम्यानाम् अपनयनम् |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 224 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand how dance can overcome social inequalities, especially gender bias.
- Learn about the historical influence of the Bhakti movement on classical Indian dances.
- Identify and describe specific dance forms like Gotipua and Mahari.
- Recognize the role of dancers in temple rituals and devotional practices.
- Appreciate the diversity of physical expressions, costumes, and music in Indian folk and classical dances.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| नृत्येन | through dance |
| वैषम्यानाम् | of inequalities |
| अपनयनम् | removal / overcoming |
| लिङ्गभेदम् | gender discrimination |
| भक्ति-आन्दोलनम् | Bhakti movement |
| शास्त्रीयाः | classical |
| मन्दिरस्य | of the temple |
| देवदासिनः | Devadasis (temple dancers) |
| महारी-जनाः | Mahari dancers |
| गोटिपुआ | Gotipua (a dance form) |
| अर्धनारीश्वरः | Ardhanarishvara (a form of Shiva and Parvati) |
| लोक-नृत्यस्य | of folk dance |
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Practice questions
- Which dance form is mentioned as a specialty of Odisha? Answer: Gotipua dance.
- Who traditionally performed the Gotipua dance for the public? Answer: Young boys (not girls) dressed as girls.
- What historical movement significantly influenced classical dance forms? Answer: The Bhakti movement.
- In which state is the folk dance Lavani primarily performed? Answer: Maharashtra.
- What does the term 'नृ्तयेन वैषम्यानाम् अपनयनम्' mean? Answer: Overcoming inequalities through dance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of Chapter 13 of Kriti-I?
The chapter's theme is 'Overcoming Inequalities through Dance' (नृ्तयेन वैषम्यानाम् अपनयनम्), focusing on how dance forms address social disparities, especially gender bias.
How did the Bhakti movement influence Indian dance?
The Bhakti movement, starting around the 6th-7th century, led to the development and influence of many regional and classical dance forms, integrating them into devotional practices.
What is the Gotipua dance?
Gotipua is a traditional dance form from Odisha, where young boys, dressed as girls, perform dances, often in service to Lord Jagannath or for public performances.
What role did dancers play in temples during the Bhakti period?
Dancers were an integral part of temple rituals. In South India, Devadasis and in Odisha, Maharis, were directly involved in the service of the deities through dance.
Can men perform female roles in Indian classical dance?
Yes, historically and in certain traditions like Gotipua, men have performed female roles, demonstrating dance's ability to transcend gender norms.
Which other dance forms are mentioned in the chapter?
The chapter also mentions Maharashtra's Lavani (folk dance) and West Bengal's Chhau dance (primarily performed by men).
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 6 Arts — Kriti-I (Sanskrit) — Chapter 13 — नृ्तयेन वैषम्यानाम् अपनयनम्. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.