NCERT Class 6 Arts Kriti-I (Sanskrit): Chapter 8 — भारतीये सङ्गीते तालः/रागः/रामम्
This chapter, 'भारतीये सङ्गीते तालः/रागः/रामम्' (Rhythm in North Indian Classical Music) from NCERT Class 6 Arts Kriti-I, introduces students to the fundamental concepts of 'Taal' (rhythm) in Indian classical music. It explains that Taal is a cyclical structure of beats that repeats, forming an 'Avartan' (cycle). The chapter details the components of Taal, including 'Taal-Chinh' (notation), 'Taali' (clap), 'Khali' (wave), and 'Maatra' (beat). It elaborates on different types of Taals like Keharwa Taal and Dadra Taal, specifying their beats, divisions, and 'swaras' (syllables). The text also touches upon the importance of rhythm in both North and South Indian classical music and introduces the concept of 'Angas' (limbs) of a Taal, namely 'Laghhu' (a clap with finger count), 'Dhruvam' (a clap with hand movement), and 'Anudhrutam' (a single clap). The chapter aims to build a foundational understanding of rhythmic structures in Indian music for young learners.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti-I (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — भारतीये सङ्गीते तालः/रागः/रामम् |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 423 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of Taal (rhythm) in Indian classical music.
- Identify the components of a Taal: Taali, Khali, Maatra, and Taal-Chinh.
- Recognize and differentiate between Keharwa Taal and Dadra Taal.
- Learn about the Angas (limbs) of a Taal: Laghu, Dhruvam, and Anudhrutam.
- Appreciate the role of rhythm in both North and South Indian classical music.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| तालः | Rhythm |
| मात्रा | Beat |
| तालिः | Clap |
| खालिः | Wave (empty beat) |
| स्वरः | Syllable/Note |
| आवर्तनम् | Cycle (of a Taal) |
| विभागः | Division |
| लघुः | Laghhu (a type of beat division) |
| ध्रुवम् | Dhruvam (a type of beat division) |
| अनुधृतम् | Anudhrutam (a type of beat division) |
| केहरवा तालः | Keharwa Taal (an 8-beat cycle) |
| दादरा तालः | Dadra Taal (a 6-beat cycle) |
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Practice questions
- What is the meaning of 'Taal' in Indian classical music? Answer: 'Taal' refers to the rhythmic cycle or beat structure in Indian classical music.
- Name the three Angas (limbs) of a Taal. Answer: The three Angas are Laghu, Dhruvam, and Anudhrutam.
- How many beats are there in Keharwa Taal? Answer: Keharwa Taal has 8 beats.
- What is the symbol for 'Khali'? Answer: The symbol for 'Khali' is '0'.
- How many beats are in Dadra Taal? Answer: Dadra Taal has 6 beats.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of Chapter 8 of Kriti-I?
Chapter 8 of Kriti-I focuses on 'Taal' (rhythm) in North Indian classical music.
What are the basic elements of a Taal?
The basic elements are Taali (clap), Khali (wave), and Maatra (beat), along with specific notations (Taal-Chinh).
How many beats are in Keharwa Taal?
Keharwa Taal consists of 8 beats.
What is the difference between Taali and Khali?
Taali is a clap indicating a beat, while Khali is a wave indicating an 'empty' beat, usually marked with a '0'.
What does 'Avartan' mean in the context of Taal?
'Avartan' refers to one complete cycle of a Taal, which repeats continuously.
Which two specific Taals are introduced in this chapter?
The chapter introduces Keharwa Taal and Dadra Taal.
What are the three 'Angas' or limbs of a Taal mentioned?
The three Angas mentioned are Laghu, Dhruvam, and Anudhrutam.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 6 Arts — Kriti-I (Sanskrit) — Chapter 8 — भारतीये सङ्गीते तालः/रागः/रामम्. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.