NCERT Class 7 Arts Kriti-I (Sanskrit): Chapter 14 — व्यक्तित्वम्
This chapter, "नाट्यम्" (Natyam), from NCERT Class 7 Arts Kriti-I, introduces the concept and significance of drama and performance in Indian tradition. It explains that drama is a beautiful art form that combines dance, acting, dialogue, and music to narrate stories. The chapter highlights how Natyam not only entertains but also educates, heals, and brings peace. It recounts the story of Lord Krishna subduing the serpent Kaliya with his flute music, leading to Kaliya's peaceful surrender and dance. The text emphasizes the importance of gratitude and blessings in performances, often starting and ending with prayers and salutations, a practice that aids in concentration and peace of mind. This chapter helps students understand the cultural and artistic value of drama in India.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti-I (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 14 — व्यक्तित्वम् |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 458 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the meaning and components of Natyam (drama).
- Recognize the role of dance, acting, dialogue, and music in drama.
- Appreciate the cultural significance of drama in Indian traditions.
- Learn about the story of Krishna and Kaliya as an example of drama's power.
- Understand the importance of prayers and salutations in performances.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| नाट्यम् | Drama/Performance |
| नृत्यम् | Dance |
| अभिनयः | Acting |
| संवादः | Dialogue |
| सङ्गीतम् | Music |
| कथा | Story |
| राक्षस-सर्पः | Demon-serpent |
| वेणुः | Flute |
| कृतज्ञता | Gratitude |
| आशीर्वादः | Blessing |
| नमस्कारः | Salutation/Greeting |
| एकाग्रता | Concentration |
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Practice questions
- नाट्यम् में कौन-कौन से तत्व शामिल होते हैं? Answer: नाट्यम् में नृत्य, अभिनय, संवाद और संगीत शामिल होते हैं।
- कृष्ण और कालिय सर्प की कथा का क्या संदेश है? Answer: कथा का संदेश है कि संगीत और नृत्य से उग्र हृदय भी शांत हो सकता है और भय का अंत हो सकता है।
- भारतीय नाट्य परंपरा में प्रदर्शन से पहले और बाद में क्या किया जाता है? Answer: प्रदर्शन से पहले सफलता के लिए आशीर्वाद मांगा जाता है और बाद में धन्यवाद ज्ञापित किया जाता है, अक्सर नमस्कार के रूप में।
- नाट्य कला का क्या महत्व है? Answer: नाट्य कला मनोरंजन के साथ-साथ शिक्षा देती है, उपचार करती है और शांति प्रदान करती है।
Frequently asked questions
What is Natyam?
Natyam is a beautiful art form that combines dance, acting, dialogue, and music to narrate stories, often performed in Indian traditions.
What elements are essential for a Natyam performance?
The essential elements include dance (nrityam), acting (abhinaya), dialogue (samvad), and music (sangeetam).
What is the story of Krishna and Kaliya mentioned in the chapter?
The chapter narrates how Lord Krishna subdued the serpent Kaliya with his flute music, leading to Kaliya's peaceful surrender and dance.
Why are prayers and salutations important in Indian drama?
Prayers and salutations are performed to seek blessings for success, express gratitude, and help in concentrating the mind and achieving peace.
What is the dual role of Natyam?
Natyam serves not only as entertainment but also educates, heals, and provides peace to the audience.
What does the chapter suggest about the power of music and dance?
The chapter suggests that music and dance have the power to calm even the fiercest heart.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 7 Arts — Kriti-I (Sanskrit) — Chapter 14 — व्यक्तित्वम्. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.