NCERT Class 8 Arts Kriti (Sanskrit): Chapter 14 — अभिनृत्ये नृत्यम्
This chapter, 'The Presentation of Dance and Choreography' from NCERT Class 8 Arts Kriti, delves into the origins and evolution of dance. It explains that in ancient times, dance was referred to as 'Nrtta' and 'Nritya', while dance-dramas were called 'Natya'. The text highlights the mythological origin of dance from the Natyaveda, considered the fifth Veda, created by Lord Brahma. Brahma imparted this knowledge to Bharata Muni, who became proficient in Nrtta, Nritya, and Natya. Bharata Muni, along with Gandharvas and Apsaras, presented the first performance, which greatly pleased Lord Shiva. Impressed, Shiva taught Bharata Muni the rigorous Tandava dance, a special lesson in dance. Shiva's disciple, Tandu, further taught Tandava to sages and hermits, who then passed it on to humans, illustrating the divine lineage of dance.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 14 — अभिनृत्ये नृत्यम् |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 148 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the ancient terminology for dance (Nrtta, Nritya, Natya).
- Learn about the mythological origin of dance from the Natyaveda.
- Identify Bharata Muni's role in developing dance forms.
- Recognize the divine influence of Lord Shiva and Tandu on dance.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| नृत्तं | Pure dance (rhythmic movement without expressive gesture) |
| नृत्यम् | Expressive dance (with gestures and emotions) |
| नाट्यम् | Drama or dance-drama |
| नाट्यशास्त्रम् | Ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts |
| अभिनय-दर्पणम् | A treatise on dance and acting |
| नाट्यवेदः | The Veda of performance, considered the fifth Veda |
| ब्रह्मदेवः | Lord Brahma |
| भरतमुनिः | Sage Bharata, author of Natya Shastra |
| गन्धर्वैः | Celestial musicians |
| अप्सराभिः | Celestial dancers |
| ताण्डवम् | A vigorous dance performed by Lord Shiva |
| तण्डुः | Disciple of Shiva who taught Tandava |
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Practice questions
- प्राचीने काले नृत्यं कथम् उच्यते स्म? Answer: प्राचीने काले नृत्यं प्रायः नृत्तं तथा नृत्यम् अथवा नृत्य इति उच्यते स्म।
- पञ्चमः वेदः कः इति कथ्यते? Answer: नाट्यवेदः प्रायः पञ्चमः वेदः इति कथ्यते।
- नाट्यवेदं केन निर्मितवान्? Answer: चतुर्षु वेदेभ्यः निष्पपन्नः ब्रह्मदेवः नाट्यवेदं निर्मितवान्।
- भरतमुनिः कस्य नृत्यस्य विशेषपाठान् प्रदत्तवान्? Answer: भरतमुनिः महादेवस्य ताण्डव इति कठोररूपेण नृत्यस्य विशेषपाठान् प्रदत्तवान्।
Frequently asked questions
What were the ancient terms for dance?
In ancient times, dance was generally called 'Nrtta' and 'Nritya', while dance-dramas were known as 'Natya'.
What is the mythological origin of dance?
According to mythology, dance originated from the Natyaveda, created by Lord Brahma, which is often referred to as the fifth Veda.
Who received the knowledge of the Natyaveda from Brahma?
Lord Brahma imparted the knowledge of the Natyaveda to Sage Bharata Muni.
What is the significance of Lord Shiva in relation to dance?
Lord Shiva was greatly pleased by Bharata Muni's performance and taught him the rigorous Tandava dance.
How was the Tandava dance passed on to humans?
Shiva's disciple, Tandu Rishi, taught the Tandava dance to sages and hermits, who then instructed humans.
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NCERT Class 8 Arts — Kriti (Sanskrit) — Chapter 14 — अभिनृत्ये नृत्यम्. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.