NCERT Class 7 Arts Kriti: Chapter 8 — The Music of the People
This chapter, 'The Music of the People,' from NCERT Class 7 Arts Kriti, explores the rich diversity of India's cultural heritage as reflected in its music and other art forms like visual arts, dance, and theatre. It introduces the concept of 'lok sangeet' (folk music) as music of and by the people, expressing emotions, festivals, rituals, and traditions. The chapter uses an Assamese Bihu song as an example to illustrate musical forms, rhythm, and lyrical content, encouraging students to engage with the music through singing, clapping, and dancing. It highlights how folk music connects people to their life, nature, and cultural identity, emphasizing the importance of understanding regional artistic expressions. This chapter aims to foster an appreciation for India's diverse artistic landscape.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — The Music of the People |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 412 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the diversity of Indian music and art forms.
- Define and identify 'lok sangeet' (folk music).
- Recognize the lyrical themes and emotional expressions in folk songs.
- Appreciate the connection between music, festivals, and traditions.
- Engage with musical elements like rhythm and form through an example song.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lok | People |
| Lok sangeet | Music of and by the people |
| Form | Style of singing or playing musical instruments |
| Rasa | Emotions or sentiments expressed in art |
| Rhythm | A strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound |
| Bihu | A popular festival and associated song/dance form from Assam |
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Practice questions
- What does 'Lok' mean? Answer: Lok means 'people'.
- What is 'lok sangeet'? Answer: Lok sangeet is the music of and by the people of our country.
- What does folk music express through its lyrics? Answer: Folk music expresses different emotions (rasas) and informs about festivals, rituals, traditions, occupations, beliefs, and faith.
- What is a 'form' in music? Answer: A form in music refers to the style of singing or playing musical instruments.
- Which Assamese song is used as an example in the chapter? Answer: The Assamese song used as an example is a Bihu song, 'Bihu bihu lagise gaat'.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of 'Lok' in the context of music?
'Lok' means 'people'. Therefore, 'lok sangeet' refers to the music created by and for the people of a country.
What kind of information can be found in the lyrics of folk songs?
The lyrics of folk songs often express different emotions and provide information about festivals, rituals, traditions, occupations, beliefs, and faith of the region.
What is a 'form' in music?
A 'form' in music refers to the specific style or manner in which a song is sung or a musical instrument is played.
What is the significance of the Bihu song in the chapter?
The Bihu song is used as an example to illustrate the concept of musical form, rhythm, and lyrical content, connecting it to the festival of Bohag Bihu and nature.
How does the chapter suggest engaging with the Bihu song?
The chapter suggests reading the words properly, clapping to understand the rhythm, and even dancing in the Bihu style while singing.
Where can students find more information about Bihu?
Students can find more information about Bihu in their Grade 6 Hindi textbook, 'Malhar'.
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NCERT Class 7 Arts — Kriti — Chapter 8 — The Music of the People. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.