NCERT Class 8 Arts Kriti (Sanskrit): Chapter 7 — सङ्गीतवाद्यत्राणि
This chapter from NCERT Class 8 Arts Kriti focuses on Carnatic music, specifically the 'Sapt-Taal Alankaras' which are crucial for vocal music practice. While three alankaras were introduced in Class 7, this chapter delves into the singing and rhythmic accompaniment of the remaining four talas. It details the seven principal talas of Carnatic music: Dhruva, Matyam, Rupakam, Jhamapakam, Triputa, Ata, and Eka. The chapter explains the three main parts or angas of a tala: Laghu (hand clap and finger count, marked by 'I'), Drutam (hand clap and release, marked by 'O'), and Anudrutam (a single clap, marked by 'U'). It also notes that the number of beats in Laghu can vary, known as 'Jati', and not all talas contain all angas. The text includes examples of 'Mishrajati-Jhamptala Alankaram' and 'Mishrajati-Triputatala Alankaram' with their respective beat counts and notations, along with illustrations of musical instruments.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — सङ्गीतवाद्यत्राणि |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 379 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the importance of Sapt-Taal Alankaras in Carnatic vocal music.
- Learn the singing and rhythmic accompaniment of four major talas.
- Identify and understand the three main angas of a tala: Laghu, Drutam, and Anudrutam.
- Recognize variations in tala structures, such as 'Jati'.
- Identify various South Indian musical instruments.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| शास्त्रीयसङ्गीतम्् | Classical Music |
| कार्णाǿटक-सङ्गीतम्् | Carnatic Music |
| सप्त-ताल- अलङ्काराः�ः | Seven Tala Ornaments/Exercises |
| ताल | Rhythm Cycle |
| लघुः | Laghu (a tala component) |
| द्रुतम्् | Drutam (a tala component) |
| अनुद्रुतम्् | Anudrutam (a tala component) |
| जातिः�ः | Jati (classification of rhythm) |
| वाद्यवृन्दम्् | Orchestra/Ensemble |
| मृदङ्गम्् | Mridangam (a percussion instrument) |
| मोरसि�ङ्ग | Morsing (a percussion instrument) |
| घटम्् | Ghatam (a percussion instrument) |
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Practice questions
- कार्णाǿटक-सङ्गीतस्य सप्त प्रमुखाः तालाः कति? Answer: सप्त।
- तालस्य त्रयः मुख्याः भागाः के सन्ति? Answer: लघुः, द्रुतम््, अनुद्रुतम््।
- लघुः इत्यस्य चि�ह्नम्् किम्? Answer: I
- द्रुतम्् इत्यस्य चि�ह्नम्् किम्? Answer: O
- अनुद्रुतम्् इत्यस्य चि�ह्नम्् किम्? Answer: U
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of NCERT Class 8 Arts Kriti Chapter 1?
The chapter focuses on Carnatic music, specifically the 'Sapt-Taal Alankaras' and the structure of talas.
How many principal talas are there in Carnatic music mentioned in the chapter?
There are seven principal talas mentioned: Dhruva, Matyam, Rupakam, Jhamapakam, Triputa, Ata, and Eka.
What are the three main components (angas) of a tala?
The three main components are Laghu (I), Drutam (O), and Anudrutam (U).
What does 'Jati' refer to in the context of talas?
Jati refers to the variation in the number of beats within the Laghu component of a tala.
What musical instruments are illustrated in the chapter?
The chapter illustrates instruments like the Mridangam, Morsing, Violin, and Ghatam, and a South Indian double-reed wind instrument.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Arts — Kriti (Sanskrit) — Chapter 7 — सङ्गीतवाद्यत्राणि. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.