NCERT Class 7 Arts Kriti-I (Sanskrit): Chapter 7 — सङ्गीतम्, भावः, रचनात्मकता च
This chapter, "रागः बालश्च" (Raga and Child) from NCERT Class 7 Arts Kriti-I, introduces the fundamental concepts of Indian classical music. It begins by listing the seven primary notes (Saptaswara): Shadja, Rishabha, Gandhara, Madhyama, Panchama, Dhaivata, and Nishada. The text explains the origin of these notes from the Samaveda and their ancient classification into Udātta, Anudātta, and Svarita. It highlights how these ancient notes evolved into the modern seven notes used in music. The chapter also touches upon the Hindustani and Carnatic music styles, emphasizing the importance of understanding ragas, talas, and their application. It introduces the concept of 'Alankaras' in Carnatic music for practicing and understanding talas and mentions the three main components of tala construction: Laghu, Druta, and Anudruta. This chapter serves as an introductory lesson for young learners to appreciate the structure and elements of Indian classical music.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti-I (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — सङ्गीतम्, भावः, रचनात्मकता च |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 470 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify the seven basic notes (Saptaswara) of Indian classical music.
- Understand the ancient origins of musical notes from the Samaveda.
- Recognize the basic components of Tala construction (Laghu, Druta, Anudruta).
- Differentiate between Hindustani and Carnatic music styles at an introductory level.
- Appreciate the role of Alankaras in practicing musical concepts.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| सप्त स्वराः | Seven notes |
| षड्ज | First note (Sa) |
| ऋषभ | Second note (Re) |
| गान्धार | Third note (Ga) |
| मध्यम | Fourth note (Ma) |
| पञ्चम | Fifth note (Pa) |
| धैवत | Sixth note (Dha) |
| निषाद | Seventh note (Ni) |
| राग | Melodic framework in Indian classical music |
| ताल | Rhythmic cycle in Indian classical music |
| अलङ्कार | Ornamentation or practice exercise in music |
| लघु | A component of Tala, often represented by a clap and finger count |
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Practice questions
- भारतीय शास्त्रीय संगीतातील सात स्वर कोणते आहेत? Answer: षड्ज, ऋषभ, गान्धार, मध्यम, पञ्चम, धैवत, निषाद.
- संगीतातील स्वरांची उत्पत्ती कोणत्या वेदातून झाली आहे? Answer: सामवेदातून.
- ताल निर्मितीचे तीन मुख्य अंग कोणते आहेत? Answer: लघु, द्रुत, आणि अनुद्रुत.
- कर्नाटक संगीतातील सप्त-ताल-अलङ्कार कशासाठी वापरले जातात? Answer: स्वरांची क्षमता वाढवण्यासाठी आणि तालांचे आकलन करण्यासाठी.
Frequently asked questions
What are the seven basic notes in Indian classical music?
The seven basic notes are Shadja, Rishabha, Gandhara, Madhyama, Panchama, Dhaivata, and Nishada.
From which Veda do the musical notes originate?
The musical notes originate from the Samaveda.
What are the three main components of constructing a Tala?
The three main components are Laghu, Druta, and Anudruta.
What is the purpose of 'Sapt-Tala-Alankara' in Carnatic music?
It is a collection of extensive vocal exercises used to enhance the capability of notes and understand Talas.
What does 'Laghu' represent in Tala construction?
Laghu is represented by a clap and finger count, denoted by the symbol 'I'.
What does 'Druta' represent in Tala construction?
Druta is represented by a clap and hand movement, denoted by the symbol 'O'.
What does 'Anudruta' represent in Tala construction?
Anudruta is a type of beat or stroke, denoted by the symbol 'U'.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 7 Arts — Kriti-I (Sanskrit) — Chapter 7 — सङ्गीतम्, भावः, रचनात्मकता च. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.