NCERT Class 7 Arts Kriti: Chapter 7 — Ragas and Talas/Taal
This chapter, "Ragas and Talas/Taal," from NCERT Class 7 Arts Kriti, delves into the foundational elements of Indian Classical Music. It begins by referencing the Natya Shastra to introduce the seven basic notes (sapta swara): Sadaj, Rishabh, Gandhar, Madhyam, Pancham, Dhaivat, and Nishad. The text explains that these notes evolved from the ritual chanting of the Samaveda, initially using three tones (Udatta, Anudatta, Svarita). The chapter then focuses on Carnatic Music, introducing the concept of Talas, specifically Dhruva Tala and Matya Tala, and the Sapta Tala Alankaras as vocal exercises. It breaks down the structure of a tala into its three main parts: Laghu (clap and finger counts, denoted by I), Drutam (clap and wave, denoted by O), and Anudrutam (beat, denoted by U). Students are guided to learn singing the first three alankaras and keeping tala, building their understanding of vocal strength and rhythmic structures in Indian classical music.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — Ragas and Talas/Taal |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 619 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify the seven basic notes (sapta swara) of Indian Classical Music.
- Understand the evolution of musical notes from Vedic chanting.
- Recognize the structure and components of Carnatic Talas (Laghu, Drutam, Anudrutam).
- Learn about vocal exercises like Sapta Tala Alankaras.
- Develop an understanding of rhythmic patterns in Indian Classical Music.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sapta Swara | The seven basic notes in Indian Classical Music. |
| Samaveda | A Vedic text known for its chanting, from which musical notes evolved. |
| Udatta | A tone or pitch used in Vedic chanting (normal or medium). |
| Anudatta | A tone or pitch used in Vedic chanting (lower note). |
| Svarita | A tone or pitch used in Vedic chanting (raised pitch or higher). |
| Tala/Taal | The rhythmic cycle in Indian classical music. |
| Carnatic Music | A major genre of Indian classical music originating in South India. |
| Hindustani Music | A major genre of Indian classical music originating in North India. |
| Alankaras | Vocal exercises used to build vocal strength and understand talas. |
| Laghu | A part of a tala, notated as I, involving clap and finger counts. |
| Drutam | A part of a tala, notated as O, involving clap and wave. |
| Anudrutam | A part of a tala, notated as U, involving a beat. |
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Practice questions
- What are the seven basic notes (sapta swara) mentioned in the Natya Shastra? Answer: Sadaj, Rishabh, Gandhar, Madhyam, Pancham, Dhaivat, and Nishad.
- From which ancient text did the notes of Indian Classical Music evolve? Answer: The notes evolved from the ritual chanting of the Samaveda.
- What are the three main parts or angas that make up a tala? Answer: The three main parts are Laghu, Drutam, and Anudrutam.
- How are Laghu, Drutam, and Anudrutam notated? Answer: Laghu is notated as I, Drutam as O, and Anudrutam as U.
- What is the purpose of Sapta Tala Alankaras? Answer: Sapta Tala Alankaras are vocal exercises to build vocal strength and understand talas.
Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of the Natya Shastra in Indian music?
The Natya Shastra is referenced to introduce the seven basic notes (sapta swara) that were practiced during its time, forming a historical basis for Indian classical music.
How did the musical notes evolve in India?
The notes of Indian Classical Music evolved from the ritual chanting of the Samaveda, initially using three tones which gradually developed into the seven sapta swaras.
What are the main components of a tala in Carnatic music?
The main components are Laghu (I), Drutam (O), and Anudrutam (U), representing different rhythmic actions like clapping and counting.
What is the difference between Carnatic and Hindustani music mentioned in the chapter?
The chapter mentions that students build understanding of both styles of Indian Classical Music—Carnatic and Hindustani—and explore connections between them.
What is the role of Alankaras in learning music?
Alankaras, like the Sapta Tala Alankaras, are vocal exercises designed to build vocal strength and help students understand and practice talas.
What does the notation 'I', 'O', and 'U' represent in a tala?
'I' represents Laghu (clap and finger counts), 'O' represents Drutam (clap and wave), and 'U' represents Anudrutam (beat).
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NCERT Class 7 Arts — Kriti — Chapter 7 — Ragas and Talas/Taal. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.