NCERT Class 8 Arts Kriti (Sanskrit): Chapter 17 — स्थानेषु जनाः
This chapter, 'स्थानेषु जनाः' (People in Places) from NCERT Class 8 Arts Kriti, introduces the concept of perspective in art. It explains how artists create an illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. The text uses examples like railway tracks and illustrations to demonstrate how lines appear to converge at a vanishing point on the horizon line, making distant objects seem smaller and closer objects larger. It details the three key elements for understanding perspective: identifying the horizon line, imagining the vanishing point, and observing the angles of converging lines. The chapter emphasizes how perspective helps in drawing buildings and monuments realistically, using the example of the Rani ki Vav stepwell and the image on a 100 rupee note. This understanding is crucial for students to create depth and realism in their artwork, aligning with CBSE's art curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 17 — स्थानेषु जनाः |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 262 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of perspective in visual arts.
- Identify the horizon line and vanishing point in drawings.
- Learn how lines converge to create an illusion of depth.
- Apply perspective techniques to draw realistic objects and structures.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| परिप्रेक्ष्यम् | Perspective |
| द्विविमीय | Two-dimensional |
| त्रिविमीय | Three-dimensional |
| क्षितिजरेखा | Horizon line |
| लुप्तप्रायः बिन्दुः | Vanishing point |
| नेत्रस्तरः | Eye level |
| सोपानकूपः | Stepwell |
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Practice questions
- What is perspective in art? Answer: Perspective is a technique used on a two-dimensional surface to create an illusion of three-dimensional space and depth.
- What is the horizon line? Answer: The horizon line is a horizontal line that represents the eye level of the viewer.
- Where do lines appear to meet in perspective drawing? Answer: Lines appear to meet at the vanishing point, which is located on the horizon line.
- Name three important elements for grasping perspective. Answer: 1. Recognition of the horizon line, 2. Imagination of the vanishing point, 3. Observation of the angle of lines converging at the vanishing point.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of NCERT Class 8 Arts Kriti Chapter 17?
Chapter 17, 'स्थानेषु जनाः', focuses on the concept of perspective in art and how to create an illusion of depth on a flat surface.
What is a vanishing point in perspective?
A vanishing point is a point on the horizon line where parallel lines appear to converge or meet.
How does perspective help in drawing?
Perspective helps artists draw objects like buildings and landscapes realistically by creating a sense of depth and distance.
What is the significance of the horizon line in perspective?
The horizon line represents the viewer's eye level and is crucial for establishing the placement of the vanishing point and the overall perspective of a drawing.
Can you give an example of perspective from the chapter?
The chapter uses examples like railway tracks appearing to converge in the distance and the illustration on a 100 rupee note to explain perspective.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Arts — Kriti (Sanskrit) — Chapter 17 — स्थानेषु जनाः. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.