NCERT Class 6 Arts Kriti-I (Sanskrit): Chapter 18 — नाट्यसंसदि
This chapter, "नाट्यसंसदि" (The Theatre Company), from NCERT Class 6 Arts Kriti-I, explores the historical concept of theatre companies in India, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. It describes 'Company Theatres' where artists lived and earned their livelihood solely through performances. These companies were self-sufficient, involving actors, dancers, singers, writers, makeup artists, costume designers, set builders, technicians, cooks, and managers. The chapter highlights the "Parsi Theatre Companies" from Bombay, active from 1850 to 1930, which performed across India. It also mentions the "Surabhi Rangamandal" in Andhra Pradesh, established in 1885, which staged plays based on Hindu traditions and history. This chapter provides insights into the professionalization and evolution of theatre in India, contributing to CBSE learning by understanding cultural history.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti-I (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 18 — नाट्यसंसदि |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 255 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the historical concept of theatre companies in India.
- Identify key elements of 'Company Theatres' and their operations.
- Learn about the significance of Parsi Theatre Companies.
- Recognize the contributions of theatre groups like Surabhi Rangamandal.
- Appreciate the evolution of performing arts in India.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| नाट्यसंसदि | Theatre Company |
| कलाकार | Artist |
| अभ्यास | Practice/Rehearsal |
| वेषभूषा | Costumes |
| मेकअप | Makeup |
| प्रदर्शन | Performance |
| कम्पनीनाट्यगृहाणि | Company Theatres |
| व्यावसायिक | Professional |
| स्वावलम्बी | Self-reliant |
| प्रबन्धक | Manager |
| लेखाधिकारिणः | Accountants |
| उद्धृतम् | Adopted/Quoted |
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Practice questions
- कम्पनीनाट्यगृहाणि इति किम् उच्यते स्म? Answer: अष्टादश-नवदश-विंशतिशतकेषु विद्यमानानि नाट्यगृहाणि 'कम्पनीनाट्यगृहाणि' इति उच्यन्ते स्म।
- कम्पनीनाट्यस्य अवधारणायाः कति भागाः आसन्? Answer: कम्पनीनाट्यस्य अवधारणायाः मुख्यभागाः भारते कम्पनीनाट्यस्य अवधारणा, लोकप्रियकम्पनयः तेषां क्षयः च।
- प्रथमं पारसीनाट्यसङ्घः कस्य नाटकस्य प्रदर्शनं कृतवान्? Answer: प्रथमं पारसीनाट्यसङ्घः 'रूस्तुम् ज़बूली, सोहराब च' इति नाटकस्य प्रदर्शनं कृतवान्।
- आन्ध्रप्रदेशे श्रीवेङ्कटेश्वर-नाट्यमण्डलस्य प्रथमं नाटकं किम् आसीत्? Answer: आन्ध्रप्रदेशे श्रीवेङ्कटेश्वर-नाट्यमण्डलस्य प्रथमं नाटकं 'कीचकवधः' आसीत्।
Frequently asked questions
What were 'Company Theatres'?
'Company Theatres' were theatre venues prevalent in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries where artists lived and earned their livelihood solely through performances.
Who were involved in a theatre company?
Theatre companies involved a wide range of people including actors, dancers, singers, writers, makeup artists, costume designers, set builders, technicians, cooks, managers, and accountants.
When were the Parsi Theatre Companies active?
The Parsi Theatre Companies were active from around 1850 to 1930, performing plays across India.
What kind of plays did the Surabhi Rangamandal stage?
The Surabhi Rangamandal staged plays based on Hindu traditions and history.
Where was the Surabhi Rangamandal established?
The Surabhi Rangamandal was established in Andhra Pradesh in 1885.
What was the significance of Parsi theatre productions?
Their Proscenium-style productions inspired many theatre creations across India.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 6 Arts — Kriti-I (Sanskrit) — Chapter 18 — नाट्यसंसदि. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.