NCERT Class 7 Arts Kriti: Chapter 13 — Personalities
This chapter, "Personalities," from NCERT Class 7 Arts Kriti, introduces two eminent figures in Indian classical and folk dance forms: Shambhu Maharaj and Kedar Nath Sahu. Shambhu Maharaj, a scion of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak, is celebrated for his contributions to the dance form, training renowned dancers like Birju Maharaj, and receiving prestigious awards. Kedar Nath Sahu is highlighted as a leading exponent of Seraikella Chhau, hailing from a traditional family of dancers and recognized with the Sangeet Natak Academy Award and Padma Shri. The chapter emphasizes the Guru-Sishya Parampara and the oral transmission of these art forms. It concludes with an activity encouraging students to research other notable personalities in dance, fostering a deeper appreciation for India's rich cultural heritage in dance.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti |
| Chapter | Chapter 13 — Personalities |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 397 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify and describe the contributions of Shambhu Maharaj to Kathak dance.
- Understand the significance of Kedar Nath Sahu in the Seraikella Chhau tradition.
- Recognize the importance of Guru-Sishya Parampara in transmitting dance forms.
- Appreciate the diversity of Indian classical and folk dance traditions.
- Develop research skills by exploring other dance personalities.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Gharana | A lineage of musicians or dancers who follow a particular style or tradition. |
| Scion | A descendant of a noble family. |
| Forefathers | Ancestors, especially male ones. |
| Consolidated | Brought together and made stronger. |
| Repetoire | A stock of plays, dances, or pieces that a company or person knows or is prepared to perform. |
| Abhinaya | The art of expression in Indian classical dance. |
| Bhav | Emotion or sentiment expressed in dance. |
| Exponents | People who support or perform a practice or activity. |
| Guru-Sishya Parampara | A traditional Indian system of teaching where a student lives with and learns from a guru. |
| Oral transmission | Passing down knowledge or skills through spoken word rather than writing. |
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Practice questions
- Who was Shambhu Maharaj and what dance form is he associated with? Answer: Shambhu Maharaj was a renowned Kathak dancer from the Lucknow Gharana.
- What is Seraikella Chhau? Answer: Seraikella Chhau is a dance form associated with Kedar Nath Sahu, originating from the Seraikella region.
- What is the Guru-Sishya Parampara? Answer: It is a traditional Indian teaching system where a student learns directly from a guru.
- Name two awards received by Shambhu Maharaj. Answer: Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Academy Award.
- Name two disciples of Kedar Nath Sahu mentioned in the text. Answer: Shashadhar Acharya and Gopal Prasad Dubey.
Frequently asked questions
Who is considered a scion of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak?
Shambhu Maharaj is considered a scion of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak.
What was Shambhu Maharaj known for in his performances?
He was very famous for his abhinaya and bhav batana, performing in the court style of sitting and enacting.
Which dance form is Kedar Nath Sahu associated with?
Kedar Nath Sahu is associated with Seraikella Chhau.
How was the art of Seraikella Chhau transmitted?
The art was orally transmitted from generation to generation following the Guru-Sishya Parampara.
What awards did Kedar Nath Sahu receive?
He received the Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1981 and the Padma Shri in 2005.
What is the purpose of Activity 13.1?
Activity 13.1 encourages students to research and present information about other great personalities in dance as a project work.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 7 Arts — Kriti — Chapter 13 — Personalities. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.