NCERT Class 7 Arts Kriti: Chapter 18 — Textiles and Traditions
This chapter, "Textile Arts and Traditions," introduces students to the world of Indian textiles and their rich heritage. It explains that artists use cloth, thread, and needles to create artwork, similar to how others use pencils and paper. The chapter highlights that Indian textiles are renowned for their diverse motifs, each carrying symbolic meanings. Motifs are defined as repeating decorative images that form patterns, varying by region and appearing in contemporary fabrics. Specific motifs like dots, circles, lines, mango (paisley), parrot, and peacock are presented with their symbolic meanings related to energy, progress, fertility, truth, knowledge, royalty, immortality, and love. The text also introduces the concept of patchwork quilts and the story "Threading Stories" to illustrate how textile art can preserve memories and connect generations. It encourages students to explore basic skills and techniques for creating their own textile artwork, fostering creativity and an appreciation for traditional crafts.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti |
| Chapter | Chapter 18 — Textiles and Traditions |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 364 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand that textiles are a form of art.
- Identify and interpret the symbolic meanings of various Indian textile motifs.
- Recognize the regional variations in textile patterns.
- Learn about the technique of patchwork.
- Appreciate the cultural significance of textile traditions.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Motifs | Decorative images that usually repeat and form patterns. |
| Textiles | Art created using cloth, thread, and needle. |
| Patchwork | Artwork created by stitching together pieces of fabric. |
| Dhaaga | Hindi word for thread. |
| Soodi | Telugu word for needle. |
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Practice questions
- What are motifs in textiles? Answer: Motifs are decorative images that usually repeat and form patterns.
- What is the symbolic meaning of a parrot motif? Answer: A parrot motif symbolizes truth and knowledge.
- What is patchwork? Answer: Patchwork is artwork created by stitching together pieces of fabric, often from old clothes.
- What are 'Dhaaga' and 'Soodi' called in English? Answer: 'Dhaaga' is thread and 'Soodi' is needle.
Frequently asked questions
What are Indian textiles known for?
Indian textiles are known for a variety of motifs, each having symbolic meanings.
What is a motif?
A motif is a decorative image that usually repeats and forms a pattern.
What do dots and circles symbolize in textile motifs?
Dots and circles can symbolize wholeness and one's energy.
What does the mango (paisley) motif represent?
The mango (paisley) motif represents fertility, life, and progress.
What is the meaning of the peacock motif?
The peacock motif symbolizes royalty, immortality, and love.
What is 'Dhaaga' in Hindi?
'Dhaaga' is the Hindi word for thread.
What is a patchwork quilt?
A patchwork quilt is made by stitching together pieces of fabric, often from special clothes, to create a new artwork.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 7 Arts — Kriti — Chapter 18 — Textiles and Traditions. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.