NCERT Class 6 Arts Kriti-I: Chapter 9 — Melodies of Diversity
This chapter, "Melodies of Diversity," from NCERT Class 6 Arts Kriti-I, focuses on listening and learning songs from various genres of Indian music. It introduces students to regional songs, highlighting a Manipuri song about a bird named Urit and a Malayalam boat song (Vanchipattu) from Kerala. The Manipuri song's lyrics are presented, emphasizing the bird's beauty and its response to calls. The Malayalam song, "Kuttanadan Punjayile," celebrates the Kuttanad region's natural beauty and the joy of singing. Vanchipattu is explained as a traditional boat song associated with Kerala's boat races, particularly snake boat races, known for their lively and rhythmic nature. The chapter aims to expose students to the rich diversity of Indian folk music and encourage appreciation for different regional art forms.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti-I |
| Chapter | Chapter 9 — Melodies of Diversity |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 236 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify and appreciate songs from different regions of India.
- Understand the cultural context of regional music like Manipuri songs and Vanchipattu.
- Develop listening skills for musical genres.
- Recognize the diversity of Indian music.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Genre | A category of artistic composition, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter. |
| Manipuri | Relating to or characteristic of Manipur, a state in northeastern India. |
| Vanchipattu | A type of traditional boat song from Kerala, India. |
| Backwaters | A network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes, and inlets in Kerala, parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. |
| Rhythmic | Having or characterized by rhythm; relating to or having a pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. |
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Practice questions
- What is the main objective of this chapter? Answer: The main objective is listening and learning songs from various genres of Indian music.
- Name the region celebrated in the Malayalam song provided. Answer: The Malayalam song celebrates the Kuttanad region in Kerala.
- What is Vanchipattu associated with in Kerala? Answer: Vanchipattu is associated with traditional boat races, especially snake boat races.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which Indian state is known for Vanchipattu and snake boat races?
Explanation: Vanchipattu is a traditional boat song from Kerala, often associated with their famous boat races.
Q2. The Manipuri song in the chapter is about which creature?
Explanation: The Manipuri song describes a red-coloured bird named Urit.
Q3. What does the song 'Kuttanadan Punjayile' depict?
Explanation: The song depicts the beauty of the Kuttanad region in Kerala and its natural surroundings.
Q4. What is a key characteristic of Vanchipattu?
Explanation: Vanchipattu are lively and rhythmic boat songs that accompany traditional boat races.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of learning songs from various genres in this chapter?
The purpose is to develop listening skills and appreciate the diversity of Indian music by learning songs from different regions.
What is a 'Vanchipattu'?
Vanchipattu is a traditional boat song from Kerala, often sung during boat races like the snake boat races.
Which region's beauty is depicted in the Malayalam song?
The Malayalam song 'Kuttanadan Punjayile' depicts the beauty of the Kuttanad region in Kerala.
What is the name of the bird mentioned in the Manipuri song?
The red-coloured bird mentioned in the Manipuri song is named Urit.
What does the chapter aim to teach students about Indian music?
The chapter aims to teach students about the rich diversity of Indian folk music and encourage appreciation for different regional art forms.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 6 Arts — Kriti-I — Chapter 9 — Melodies of Diversity. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 10 Aug 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.