NCERT Class 8 Arts Kriti: Chapter 7 — Indian Classical Music
This chapter introduces students to Indian Classical Music, focusing on Carnatic music. It details the seven main talas (rhythmic cycles) in Carnatic music: Dhruva, Mattya, Rupaka, Jhampa, Triputa, Ata, and Eka. The text explains the three main parts or angas that constitute a tala: Laghu (clap and finger counts), Drutam (clap and wave), and Anudrutam (beat). It also mentions that the number of beats in a Laghu can vary, known as jathi, and not all talas contain all angas. The chapter includes musical notations for vocal exercises and illustrations of traditional Indian musical instruments like the mridangam, morsing, violin, ghatam, and nadaswaram. This foundational knowledge helps students understand the rhythmic structure and instrumentation of Carnatic music, enhancing their appreciation and study of Indian classical traditions within the CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — Indian Classical Music |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 432 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify the seven main talas in Carnatic music.
- Understand the three main angas (parts) of a tala: Laghu, Drutam, and Anudrutam.
- Recognize the concept of jathi in relation to Laghu.
- Identify traditional Indian musical instruments mentioned in the chapter.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tala | Rhythmic cycle in Indian classical music. |
| Alankaras | Vocal exercises to build vocal strength and understand talas. |
| Carnatic Music | A system of music generally related to South India. |
| Laghu | Part of a tala, involving a clap and finger counts. |
| Drutam | Part of a tala, involving a clap and wave. |
| Anudrutam | Part of a tala, involving a beat. |
| Jathi | Different numbers of beats in a Laghu. |
| Mridangam | A percussion instrument, a double-headed drum. |
| Morsing | A percussion instrument, also known as a jaw harp. |
| Ghatam | A percussion instrument, an earthenware pot. |
| Nadaswaram | A double-reed wind instrument from South India. |
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Practice questions
- Name the seven main talas in Carnatic music. Answer: Dhruva, Mattya, Rupaka, Jhampa, Triputa, Ata, and Eka.
- What are the three main parts (angas) of a tala? Answer: Laghu, Drutam, and Anudrutam.
- What is a 'jathi' in the context of Carnatic music talas? Answer: A 'jathi' refers to the different numbers of beats possible within a Laghu.
- Name two traditional Indian musical instruments illustrated in the chapter. Answer: Mridangam, morsing, violin, ghatam, and nadaswaram are illustrated.
Frequently asked questions
What is Carnatic music?
Carnatic music is a system of music generally related to South India, characterized by its complex rhythmic structures (talas) and melodic frameworks.
What are the main talas in Carnatic music?
The seven main talas in Carnatic music are Dhruva, Mattya, Rupaka, Jhampa, Triputa, Ata, and Eka.
What are the components of a tala?
The three main components (angas) of a tala are Laghu (clap and finger counts), Drutam (clap and wave), and Anudrutam (beat).
What is a 'jathi' in Carnatic music?
A 'jathi' refers to the variation in the number of beats within the Laghu component of a tala.
What instruments are shown in the chapter's illustrations?
The chapter illustrates a Carnatic music ensemble including a mridangam, morsing, violin, and ghatam, as well as the nadaswaram.
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NCERT Class 8 Arts — Kriti — Chapter 7 — Indian Classical Music. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.