NCERT Class 7 Arts Kriti-I (Sanskrit): Chapter 19 — किं भवन्तः अनुभवन्ति?
This chapter, 'The Art of Calligraphy' (सुलेखनस्य कलाः), explores the significance of writing systems in preserving languages and expressions. It traces India's writing tradition back 5000 years, with evidence found in the Indus-Saraswati civilization and Ashoka's inscriptions. The chapter highlights that India's Constitution was originally handwritten, with famous calligraphers contributing to its English and Hindi versions. It emphasizes the role of calligraphy in conveying not just words but also emotions and ideas. The text discusses the evolution of writing from pictographs to alphabets and the importance of neat handwriting for communication, especially in modern contexts like newspapers. It lists essential elements of calligraphy such as clarity, arrangement, and practice, and mentions its use on materials like palm leaves and cloth. The chapter concludes by inviting students to learn more about the art of writing.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti-I (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 19 — किं भवन्तः अनुभवन्ति? |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 196 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the historical significance of writing systems in India.
- Recognize the evolution of script from pictographs to alphabets.
- Appreciate the role of calligraphy in preserving language and expressing ideas.
- Identify key elements and materials used in calligraphy.
- Learn about the handwritten nature of India's Constitution.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| लि पि | Script/Writing system |
| अभि�व्यक्तीनाम्् | Of expressions |
| संरक्षणस्य | Of preservation |
| लेखनपरम्परा | Writing tradition |
| शि�लालेखेषु | In stone inscriptions |
| हस्तलि खि�तमेव | Handwritten only |
| संवि�धानं | Constitution |
| सुलेखनस्य | Of calligraphy |
| अक्षरं | Letter/Alphabet |
| चित्ररूप | Picture form |
| भाव | Emotion/Feeling |
| अङ्कन | Drawing/Marking |
The complete chapter text is read in the official NCERT PDF viewer below (streamed from ncert.nic.in). This page provides NCERT Help study material — summary, vocabulary, practice questions, and FAQs — not a full reproduction of the textbook.
Read chapter online
This PDF is loaded from the official NCERT website (ncert.nic.in). Use the page buttons below to read — download is disabled on NCERT Help.
Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.
Practice questions
- भारतस्य लेखनपरम्परायाः कालः कति वर्षेभ्यः प्राचीनोऽस्ति? Answer: भारतस्य लेखनपरम्परा प्रायः ५००० वर्षेभ्यः प्राचीना अस्ति।
- भारतस्य संवि�धानं मूलरूपेण कथम् आसीत्? Answer: भारतस्य संवि�धानं मूलरूपेण हस्तलिखितम् आसीत्।
- सुलेखनस्य कलायाः मुख्यं कार्यं किम्? Answer: सुलेखनस्य कलायाः मुख्यं कार्यं केवलं शब्दानां लेखनं नास्ति, अपितु भावानाम् अपि समावेशः अस्ति।
- अद्यत्वे सूचनायः कस्य उपयोगः क्रियते? Answer: अद्यत्वे सूचनायः समाचारपत्राणि, आलेखनानि च उपयोग्यन्ते।
Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of writing systems?
Writing systems are powerful tools for preserving languages and expressions.
How old is India's writing tradition?
India's writing tradition is approximately 5000 years old, with evidence found in the Indus-Saraswati civilization.
Who wrote the English and Hindi versions of the Indian Constitution?
Prem Behari Narayan Raizada wrote the English version, and Vasant Krishna Vaidya wrote the Hindi version of the Indian Constitution.
What is calligraphy?
Calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting, which involves the arrangement, drawing, and decoration of letters to express emotions and ideas.
What are the essential elements of calligraphy?
The essential elements include clarity, arrangement, drawing, and practice.
How has writing evolved?
Writing evolved from picture-based forms (pictographs) to alphabetic systems.
What is the role of neat handwriting today?
Neat handwriting is important for clear communication, especially in modern contexts like newspapers for quick information dissemination.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 7 Arts — Kriti-I (Sanskrit) — Chapter 19 — किं भवन्तः अनुभवन्ति?. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.