NCERT Class 8 Arts Kriti: Chapter 5 — Discovering the Elements of Music
This chapter introduces the concept of Raga in Indian classical music, defining it as a pleasant sound aesthetically structured with swar and varna. It highlights music's integral role in daily life and cultural traditions, emphasizing how songs are used to express emotions during significant moments. The chapter encourages students to explore various aspects of music, including theme, author, lyrical beauty, tunes, and rhythmic patterns. It also points towards the diversity of singers' voices and the enchanting world of swara, laya, and shabd. The text stresses the importance of qualitative feedback and systematic assessments, both formative and summative, to help students develop their understanding and appreciation of music.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — Discovering the Elements of Music |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 309 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the definition and aesthetic structure of a Raga.
- Recognize the integral role of music in daily life and cultural traditions.
- Explore various elements of a musical composition like theme, author, and lyrical beauty.
- Appreciate the diversity of musical expression and vocal styles.
- Develop an understanding of swara, laya, and shabd in music.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Raga | A melodic framework in Indian classical music, characterized by specific rules of ascent (aroha) and descent (avaroha), and other melodic features. |
| Swar | Musical note or tone. |
| Varna | In the context of Raga, refers to the specific patterns and movements of notes. |
| Aroha | Ascending scale of notes in a Raga. |
| Avaroha | Descending scale of notes in a Raga. |
| Laya | Tempo or rhythm in music. |
| Shabd | Word or sound, often referring to lyrics or vocalizations in music. |
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Practice questions
- According to the text, what is a Raga? Answer: A Raga is a sound that is pleasant to the ears, aesthetically structured with swar and varna.
- What does the text suggest students explore when listening to a composition? Answer: Students should explore its theme, author, beauty of the words, different tunes, and rhythmic patterns.
- What are the key elements mentioned that surround and captivate us in music? Answer: Swara, laya, and shabd are the key elements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the definition of Raga as per Brihaddeshi?
A Raga is defined as a sound that is pleasant to the ears and aesthetically structured with swar and varna.
How does music enrich our lives according to the chapter?
Music is an integral part of life, alive in almost every activity, and musical traditions deeply enrich our lives.
What aspects should students delve into when learning a song?
Students should explore its theme, author, beauty of the words, different tunes, and rhythmic patterns.
What are the key musical elements mentioned in the chapter?
The key elements are swara, laya, and shabd.
What is the main aim of assessments mentioned in the chapter?
The main aim is to see whether students are able to reach the laid-out competencies or if more support is needed.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Arts — Kriti — Chapter 5 — Discovering the Elements of Music. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.