NCERT Class 8 Arts Kriti (Sanskrit): Chapter 12 — नृत्यस्य आन्तरिकविज्ञानम्
This chapter, 'अभ्युन्नतये नृत्यम्' (Dance for Advancement) from NCERT Class 8 Arts Kriti, explores the expressive power of dance, particularly through hand gestures (mudras). It revisits previously learned 'Asanyuta Hastas' (single-hand mudras) and introduces 'Sanyuta Hastas' (double-hand mudras), both crucial for communication and storytelling in dance. The chapter references the 'Abhinaya Darpanam' by Nandikeshwara, which details these mudras through Sanskrit shlokas. It highlights that each mudra has a specific meaning, aiding in conveying emotions and narratives. The text encourages students to practice these gestures, reinforcing their understanding of non-verbal communication in classical Indian dance forms, thereby advancing their artistic skills.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 12 — नृत्यस्य आन्तरिकविज्ञानम् |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 240 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the role of hand gestures (mudras) in dance for communication.
- Differentiate between Asanyuta (single-hand) and Sanyuta (double-hand) mudras.
- Recognize the importance of 'Abhinaya Darpanam' in documenting dance forms.
- Practice performing various hand mudras.
- Appreciate the expressive potential of dance as an art form.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| सम्प्रेषणम् | Communication |
| अभिव्यक्तिः | Expression |
| हस्तमुद्राः | Hand gestures/mudras |
| असंयुत-हस्ताः | Single-hand mudras |
| संयुत-हस्ताः | Double-hand mudras |
| अभिनयदर्पणम् | A treatise on Indian classical dance (Abhinaya Darpanam) |
| श्लोकः | Verse/Poem |
| वर्णणयति | Describes |
| क्रियाकलापः | Activity |
| कपोतः | Pigeon (a specific mudra) |
| स्वस्तिकः | A specific mudra |
| गरुडः | Garuda (a specific mudra) |
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Practice questions
- What is the main topic of the chapter 'अभ्युन्नतये नृत्यम्'? Answer: The chapter discusses hand gestures (mudras) in dance for communication and expression.
- What are the two main categories of hand mudras mentioned in the chapter? Answer: The two main categories are Asanyuta Hastas (single-hand mudras) and Sanyuta Hastas (double-hand mudras).
- Which ancient text is referenced for the description of hand mudras? Answer: The chapter references the 'Abhinaya Darpanam' by Nandikeshwara.
- How do hand mudras help in dance? Answer: Hand mudras help in communication, storytelling, and expressing emotions in dance.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'अभ्युन्नतये नृत्यम्' mean?
'अभ्युन्नतये नृत्यम्' translates to 'Dance for Advancement' and focuses on how dance, through gestures, helps in progress and expression.
What is the difference between Asanyuta and Sanyuta Hastas?
Asanyuta Hastas are single-hand gestures, while Sanyuta Hastas are performed using both hands together.
Which book is cited for the description of hand mudras?
The chapter cites 'Abhinaya Darpanam' by Nandikeshwara for the detailed description of hand mudras.
How many Asanyuta Hastas are described in the chapter?
The chapter mentions that the 'Abhinaya Darpanam' describes 28 Asanyuta Hastas, with some later additions.
How many Sanyuta Hastas are mentioned in the chapter?
The chapter mentions that there are 23 Sanyuta Hastas described in a famous shloka from 'Abhinaya Darpanam'.
What is the purpose of learning these hand mudras?
Learning these mudras helps students in effective communication, storytelling, and expressing emotions through dance.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Arts — Kriti (Sanskrit) — Chapter 12 — नृत्यस्य आन्तरिकविज्ञानम्. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.