NCERT Class 8 Arts Kriti (Sanskrit): Chapter 16 — वर्णं वि.धलजीवनम्
This chapter, "वर्णे निMश्चलजीवनम््" (Still Life with Colors) from NCERT Class 8 Arts Kriti, explores the evolution of art from cave paintings to temple sculptures, focusing on the emergence of still life as a primary subject around the 16th century. It discusses how artists began to study and depict inanimate objects, both natural and man-made, with such skill that they appeared lifelike. These artworks, known as 'Nishchal Jeevanam', are characterized by their realistic portrayal and the sense of life infused into them. The chapter also touches upon the symbolic use of objects like the Dharma Chakra and weapons in art and how still life compositions are now used in modern advertising. It includes a practical activity (Kriyākalāp 16.1) guiding students on selecting objects, choosing backgrounds, and arranging elements for a still life composition, emphasizing visual appeal and the connection between objects.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 16 — वर्णं वि.धलजीवनम् |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 190 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the historical development of still life in Indian art.
- Identify key characteristics of Nishchal Jeevanam artworks.
- Learn principles of composition, including object selection and background choice.
- Appreciate the visual arrangement and realistic portrayal in still life.
- Develop skills in creating a still life composition.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| कलाकृतीनाम्् | of artworks |
| मुख्यवि�षयाःi | main subjects |
| प्रतीकात्मकार्था�न्् | symbolic meanings |
| निMश्चलानिM | still / inanimate |
| त्रि�वि�मीयरूपेण | three-dimensionally |
| छायाचि>त्ररूपेण | as a sketch/drawing |
| शिWल्परूपेण | as sculpture |
| उत्पाद-वि�ज्ञापनानिM | product advertisements |
| पृष्ठभूमेः� | of the background |
| मञ्जूषा | box / casket |
| घटिDकाःi | watches |
| कन्दुकम्् | ball |
The complete chapter text is read in the official NCERT PDF viewer below (streamed from ncert.nic.in). This page provides NCERT Help study material — summary, vocabulary, practice questions, and FAQs — not a full reproduction of the textbook.
Read chapter online
This PDF is loaded from the official NCERT website (ncert.nic.in). Use the page buttons below to read — download is disabled on NCERT Help.
Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.
Practice questions
- What significant change occurred in Indian art around the 16th century regarding subjects? Answer: Around the 16th century, inanimate objects (vastuni) became the main subjects of artworks.
- What is 'Nishchal Jeevanam' and why are artworks called so? Answer: 'Nishchal Jeevanam' refers to still life. Artworks are called so because artists depicted inanimate objects with such skill that they appeared lifelike.
- Besides painting, in what other forms can still life compositions be created? Answer: Still life compositions can also be created in the form of sketches and sculptures.
- What is the importance of visual arrangement in still life? Answer: Visual arrangement is very important as it guides the viewer's eye to explore each object, understand its form, color, and arrangement, and its relation to surrounding objects.
- What kind of objects are suggested for selection in a still life composition? Answer: Objects from daily life and culture that signify familiarity and individuality, local crafts, and objects of different materials, colors, and shapes are suggested.
Frequently asked questions
What is 'Nishchal Jeevanam' in the context of art?
'Nishchal Jeevanam' refers to still life, where artists skillfully depict inanimate objects, making them appear lifelike.
When did still life become a prominent subject in Indian art?
Still life became a prominent subject in Indian art around the 16th century.
What are some examples of objects that were historically depicted in art with symbolic meaning?
Historically, objects like the Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Law) and weapons were depicted with symbolic meanings, often held by deities or royalty.
Can still life be represented in forms other than paintings?
Yes, still life compositions can also be created as sketches (chitra-roopena) and sculptures (shilpa-roopena).
What is the role of background in a still life composition?
The background should complement the objects, not distract from them. It helps in focusing attention on the main subjects and their arrangement.
What types of objects are recommended for students to choose for their still life compositions?
Students are encouraged to choose familiar objects from their daily life and culture, local crafts, or items of varied materials, colors, and shapes.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Arts — Kriti (Sanskrit) — Chapter 16 — वर्णं वि.धलजीवनम्. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.